INCAP HIGH SCHOOL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Technology Sales Associate
Learn about tech, build relationships, and get paid while you learn.
The INCAP Technology Sales Associate Apprenticeship Program introduces high school students to careers in technology sales, customer success, and business development — and pays you while you learn. You’ll learn to identify customer needs, evaluate technology solutions, support demonstrations and proposals, and build the relationships that grow a business.
- Learn the sales pipeline and the buyer’s journey
- Research customers, markets, and sales opportunities
- Support tech demonstrations and sales pitches
- Build skills in communication, marketing, and problem-solving
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: Sandler sales training, CompTIA AI Fundamentals (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 working with people and developing relationships
- Are curious about how businesses sell their products
- Have an interest in business, technology, or marketing
- Want a career that combines technical fluency with communication
What You’ll Actually Do
The work is real from day one. Across two years, apprentices build competency in these areas:
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Find potential customers
- Research companies and industries
- Identify potential customers
- Learn how sales teams find new business
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
Connect with prospective and new customers
- Prepare for discovery meetings
- Ask questions to understand customer needs
- Document customer goals and challenges
SUPPORT PRESENTATIONS
Help solve real business challenges
- Connect customer needs with technology solutions
- Assist with product demonstrations and presentations
- Support proposal preparation and customer decision-making
USE BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
Work with the tools professionals use
- Use customer relationship management (CRM) systems
- Maintain customer and sales activity records
- Use approved AI tools to support research and planning
COLLABORATE ACROSS TEAMS
Learn how businesses work together
- Work with sales, technical, marketing, and customer success teams
- Communicate professionally
- Participate in team projects and customer support
TECHNICAL FLUENCY
Understand what you’re selling
- Learn the technical product knowledge behind the solution
- Work effectively with sales engineers and technical experts
- Explain technology in plain language
- Keep learning as products change
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:
- Sales Development Representative (SDR)
- Business Development Representative (BDR)
- Junior Account Executive
- Customer Success Representative
- And many more
Program Documents
Official INCAP occupation materials, published by the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway:
Full occupation page on IndianaCAP.org: Technology Sales Associate (High School)
Common Questions
How much do Technology Sales Associate 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. 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. Sandler sales training can serve as an instructional framework and optional credential, and CompTIA AI Fundamentals is available as an optional supplement. Employers keep their own sales methodology.
What is the work environment like?
Professional office environments alongside business professionals, technology teams, and sales professionals. The work is collaborative and fast-paced and rewards communication, attention to detail, and responsible use of technology.
What skills will I learn?
Research: markets and prospective customers. Sales: building relationships and supporting customers through the buyer’s journey. Technology: CRMs, AI, and other sales tools. Professional: communication, collaboration, and documentation.
What jobs can I get afterward?
You’ll be prepared for junior sales and customer success roles: sales development representative, business development representative, junior account executive, and customer success representative. 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
