INCAP HIGH SCHOOL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
IT Support Technician
Fix tech problems, help people, and get paid while you learn.
The INCAP IT Support Technician Apprenticeship Program gives high school students a paid, hands-on path into one of the most in-demand roles in technology: keeping computers, networks, and devices running for the people who depend on them every day. You start in 11th grade, work with a real Indiana employer, and graduate with two years of experience most new hires don’t have.
- Start with Intercompany Training Center coursework and job shadowing, then move into real support work
- Troubleshoot problems and set up hardware, devices, and user accounts
- Help protect systems and users from security threats
- Provide hands-on help to real users in real workplaces
10th grade
APPLY
11th grade
START
2 years
LENGTH
$13–17/hr
APPRENTICE PAY
Business offices
SETTING
What You’ll Earn
- High school diploma with the Employment Honors Plus seal
- INCAP credential — recognized by the Indiana Department of Education as a Credential of Value and by technology employers across Indiana
- Optional industry certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+ (supplemental — program completion is based on demonstrated competency)
- College credit toward a related degree program, where accepted
Is This Apprenticeship Right for You?
This could be a great fit if you…
- Enjoy figuring out why things break and how to fix them
- Like working with people and explaining technical ideas in plain language
- Are curious about computers, networks, and how devices connect
- Want skills that are in demand in every industry, not just tech companies
What You’ll Actually Do
The work is real from day one. Across two years, apprentices build competency in these areas:
HARDWARE & DEVICES
Set up, maintain, and troubleshoot the tech people use every day
- Install and configure computers, devices, and peripherals
- Support, maintain, and repair hardware
- Manage equipment inventory
- Help set up user accounts and access
NETWORKING
Keep networks, Wi-Fi, and connections running smoothly
- Learn networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, switches, and routers
- Troubleshoot network and connectivity issues
- Provide hands-on network support for users
- Work alongside experienced network technicians
OPERATING SYSTEMS & THE CLOUD
Work across the platforms that power modern work
- Manage Windows, macOS, and Linux basics
- Support cloud platforms and learn cloud computing fundamentals
- Get hands-on with virtualization
- Use applied AI tools to boost IT productivity and documentation
CYBERSECURITY
Help protect systems, data, and users from security threats
- Learn cybersecurity fundamentals and security hygiene
- Help implement basic security measures
- Recognize and escalate potential security events
- Build habits that meet industry security standards
SERVICE OPERATIONS
Deliver support the way professional IT teams do
- Work tickets from first contact to resolution
- Keep accurate service and asset documentation
- Use automation to improve recurring support work
- Contribute to continuous improvement
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Work as part of a tech team and build real-world skills
- Communicate clearly with users, coworkers, and leadership
- Explain technical ideas in plain language
- Practice troubleshooting under real time pressure
- Mentor newer apprentices as you gain experience
Typical Apprenticeship Timeline
11th grade
2 days per week at your employer plus 8 hours per week of online Intercompany Training Center (ICC) instruction. The rest of the week is in school.
Summer after 11th
Full-time, 40 hours per week, at your employer for 8 weeks.
12th grade
3 days per week at your employer plus 8 hours per week of ICC instruction, with time in school for the classes you need to graduate.
Summer after 12th
Full-time, 40 hours per week, at your employer for 8 weeks. Two summers are part of the program.
Apprentices are paid $13–17 per hour for every working hour, including ICC training time. 2,032 program hours over two years. Schedules are set with your employer and school so you can keep extracurriculars.
At completion, you have three options
- Start your tech career with your employer or another Indiana company
- Go to college, potentially faster, with credit for your INCAP credential
- Keep training in an INCAP adult Career Program
Real Jobs This Program Prepares You For
Common roles INCAP graduates are prepared for include:
- IT Support Specialist / Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- Network Support Technician
- IT Field Technician / Field Service Technician
- And many more
Program Documents
Official INCAP occupation materials, published by the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway:
- Occupation Profile (PDF, 2 pages)
- Perfil Profesional — Español (PDF)
- Student Journey at a Glance (PDF, 1 page)
Full occupation page on IndianaCAP.org: IT Support Technician (High School)
Common Questions
How much do IT Support Technician apprentices get paid?
Apprentices typically earn $13 to $17 per hour, set by the employer, for every working hour including ICC training time. Apprentices are employees, so they fall under their employer’s policies for benefits, performance reviews, and raises.
When does the apprenticeship start, and how long does it last?
Students explore tech careers in 9th and 10th grade and apply in 10th grade. The apprenticeship begins in 11th grade and runs two years, year-round, including both summers.
What does a typical week look like?
In 11th grade: two days a week at your employer plus eight hours a week of online ICC instruction, with the rest of the week in school. In 12th grade: three days at your employer plus eight hours of ICC. Both summers are full-time at your employer for eight weeks. On-site days are typically eight hours, with schedules set so you can keep extracurriculars.
What classes do I take?
There are no required high school courses. All technical coursework is delivered through the ICC, online, by TechIndiana with Awesome People Leaders and Ivy Tech Community College. Related classes at your school are encouraged if available. The one requirement is a school schedule that lets you leave the building to work while completing what you need to graduate.
What will I earn when I finish?
You meet the key requirements for Indiana’s Employment Honors Plus diploma seal — at least 650 hours of work-based learning plus an INCAP credential, which the Indiana Department of Education recognizes as a Credential of Value. Apprentices typically exceed 2,000 hours. The INCAP credential may count toward college credit, and you can add CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ as optional certifications.
What is the work environment like?
Professional, fast-paced, and people-focused. You’ll work alongside help desk technicians, systems administrators, and network professionals, and you’ll need to be comfortable solving problems on the fly and talking with users at every technical level.
What jobs can I get afterward?
You’ll be prepared for roles a step above typical entry-level IT: help desk specialist, desktop support, junior systems administrator, network support, and field service. Many apprentices are hired directly by their employer.
How do I find an opening?
Openings are not posted online and vary by region. Express interest with TechIndiana and we’ll connect you with your school counselor and your regional INCAP Connector, who guide you through the application.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Apprenticeship spots are limited and depend on where you live. Tell us you’re interested and we’ll connect you with your school counselor and regional INCAP Connector. Employers: this is also where you start.
TechIndiana leads the Tech/IT Industry Talent Association for INCAP, the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway. Program questions: Jeni McIntosh-Elkins, jeni@techindiana.org · Dennis Trinkle, dennis@techindiana.org