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Information Technology Occupational Pathway

Information Technology Occupational Pathway

Information Technology (IT) careers are in the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration. The IT industry is a dynamic and entrepreneurial working environment that has had a revolutionary impact on the economy and society. This Youth Apprenticeship occupational area focuses on three pathways:

In addition to careers in the IT industry, IT jobs are available in almost every sector of the economy.

IT Pathways

Students can choose from three different occupational areas with options to specific pathways.

General IT Pathway

In this pathway, students will build basic skills in applying applicable IT industry knowledge, scheduling appointments, processing customer requests, and querying, viewing, and extracting data. There is one area to choose from:

Network Systems and Information Support & Services Pathway

Careers in network systems involve network analysis, planning, and implementation, including design, installation, maintenance, and management of network systems. Information support and services include managing the computer systems and software and providing technical support. Key components of this career are integrating multiple databases, connecting data and employees globally, and improving IT services. There is two areas to choose from:

Programming & Software Development and Information Support & Services Pathway

The Programming and Software Development pathway encompasses careers that design, develop, implement, and maintain computer software and its operation on various systems. There is one area to choose from:

Occupations

Network Systems Pathway

  • Communications Analyst
  • Data Communications Analyst
  • Information Systems Administrator
  • Information Systems Operator
  • Information Technology Engineer
  • Network Administrator
  • Network Architect
  • Network Engineer
  • Network Manager
  • Network Specialist
  • Network Technician
  • Network Transport Administrator
  • PC Support Specialist
  • Systems Administrator
  • Systems Engineer
  • Systems Support Leader
  • Technical Support Specialist
  • Telecommunications Network Technician
  • User Support Specialist

Information Support & Services Pathway

  • Instructional Designer
  • Maintenance Technician
  • PC Support Specialist
  • PC Systems Coordinator
  • Product Support Engineer
  • Support Engineer
  • Systems Analyst
  • Technical Communicator
  • Testing Engineer
  • Account Manager
  • Applications Integrator
  • Call Center Support Representative
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Data Systems Designer
  • Database Administrator
  • Database Analyst
  • E-Business Specialist
  • Help Desk Specialist
  • Information Systems Architect

Programming and Software Development Pathway

  • Applications Analyst
  • Applications Engineer
  • Business Analyst
  • Computer Engineer
  • Data Modeler
  • Game Developer
  • Operating System Designer/ Engineer
  • Program Manager
  • Programmer
  • Programmer Analyst
  • Project Lead
  • Software Applications Specialist
  • Software Applications Tester
  • Software Design Engineer
  • Systems Administrator
  • Systems Analyst
  • Test Engineer
  • Tester

Average Wage

Below are some examples of careers wages in each pathway. Visit the Occupational Employer Statistics page to find average wages for a specific occupation not listed.

Network and Computer Systems Administrator: Average $75,320
Customer Service Representatives: Average $37,850
Web Developer: Average $53,730
Database Administrators: Average $84,990
Multimedia Artists and Animators: Average $55,600
Producers and Directors: Average $57,110

Getting Started

Get started by talking to a school counselor, Youth Apprenticeship Local Coordinator, or Regional Coordinator about how to apply and obtain career materials (plans of study). Contact DWD Youth Apprenticeship Staff for general or statewide program information.

Information Technology Occupational Pathway