Top 10 Tech Apprenticeships, Internships and Entry-Level Jobs in Denver, CO in 2026

Table of Contents

• Denver's 2026 Tech Climb
• Techtonic Apprenticeship
• Lockheed Martin Space Internships
• Google Apprenticeships
• Amazon Technical Academy
• Year Up Denver
• Lockheed Martin AMTAP/AMTP Apprenticeship
• Per Scholas Denver
• DaVita Tech Internships
• ActivateWork IT Apprenticeship
• Apprenticeship Colorado
• Charting Your Tech Career Path
• Frequently Asked Questions

Techtonic Apprenticeship

Topping our list as a premier earn-while-you-learn pathway, the Techtonic Apprenticeship is designed for career-changers and non-traditional candidates, requiring no CS degree. This disruptive model pays individuals to learn software development through hands-on client projects, directly addressing Denver's talent gap with a sustainable alternative to costly bootcamps.

The program's success is validated by graduate experiences. One apprentice noted on Course Report, "I’ve studied as a paid apprentice for 3 months... the resources and knowledge of the instructional team surpass anything I experienced at my traditional bootcamp." This focus on applied learning creates immediate value for both the apprentice and the local companies they serve.

Successful graduates often transition into software developer roles at Denver-area startups and mid-size companies, making it a powerful launchpad within the Front Range ecosystem. For the 2026 cohort, applicants should focus on showcasing problem-solving skills and foundational coding knowledge through portfolio projects, rather than traditional credentials. Apply directly via their website, with cohorts typically starting quarterly.

Lockheed Martin Space Internships

For STEM students targeting aerospace and defense, Lockheed Martin Space Internships offer unparalleled access to mission-critical technology in the Denver-Aurora corridor. The 10-12 week summer program provides competitive compensation, ranging from $20 to $35 per hour based on academic year, and serves as a direct pipeline from Front Range universities.

The program's structured mentorship is a key differentiator, providing each intern with a dedicated 1:1 "buddy" and a senior mentor. This dual-layered support system acts as a crucial belay for a first major technical role. As highlighted in a company feature on taking an alternative path to success, these experiences are strategically designed to convert high-performing interns into full-time hires, offering exceptional job security in Colorado's robust aerospace sector.

The application window is highly competitive; students should plan to apply between August and October 2025 for the Summer 2026 cohort. Preparation should include highlighting relevant coursework from CU Boulder or Colorado School of Mines and any project work involving systems engineering or software development, as these align directly with the company's hands-on technical needs.

Google Apprenticeships

Google's Boulder office serves as a major tech hub, and its apprenticeship programs offer a structured, paid entry point for those without a four-year degree, validating the industry's shift toward skills-based hiring. For the 2026 cohort, tracks in Data Analytics, UX Design, and IT are available, with an estimated annual compensation of ~$46,181 (roughly $22/hour) in Colorado according to ZipRecruiter salary data.

Lasting 12 to 24 months, the program includes 20% dedicated training and mentorship, blending formal instruction with practical experience. The structure is designed for conversion, with the final three months serving as a direct pathway to apply for full-time roles at Google. This creates a prestigious credential within the Front Range tech community, especially valuable in Denver's competitive yet accessible market.

Applications for the 2026 cohort typically close in September 2025. Given the high competitiveness, candidates should proactively demonstrate foundational skills through recognized certificates, like Google's own Career Certificates, and craft a strong narrative of self-directed learning, as emphasized in resources for applicants. This apprenticeship represents a strategic ascent for those building a career in Denver's growing AI and software ecosystem.

Amazon Technical Academy

Amazon’s Technical Academy (ATA) is an intensive, full-time apprenticeship designed to transition non-technical Amazon employees into Software Development Engineer (SDE) roles. While not exclusive to Denver, local employees at the Denver Tech Center or area fulfillment centers can apply, leveraging the city's growing cloud and logistics tech presence for this career leap.

The 9-month program involves rigorous, Java-based software development training, representing a major upskilling investment by the company as noted on Amazon's careers site. The financial upside post-graduation is significant, with total compensation for an SDE-I role estimated at $152,000+.

Acceptance is highly competitive, requiring an internal referral and demonstrated problem-solving aptitude. For Denver-based Amazon employees in 2026, ATA represents a rare opportunity to ascend into high-compensation tech roles without leaving the metro area, directly tapping into the demand for engineering talent within one of the world's leading tech companies.

Year Up Denver

Focused on young adults aged 18-29, Year Up Denver provides a powerful one-year ladder into tech careers through a proven model of six months of professional training followed by a six-month, paid internship with a corporate partner. Participants receive an educational stipend during training and a competitive wage during their internship at Denver-area companies like DaVita or Arrow Electronics.

The program is a key player in Denver's equitable tech talent development, boasting strong outcomes with 80% of alumni employed or enrolled in further education within four months of completion. With spring and fall cohorts, it offers a structured, supportive community for those seeking a foothold in the industry.

As highlighted in analyses of Colorado's apprenticeship landscape, this pathway is ideal for applicants who can highlight resilience and professional drive over specific technical skills. The program provides real experience in IT support, data analytics, or cybersecurity within Denver’s stable corporate landscape, making it a strategic choice for building a long-term career in the metro area.

Lockheed Martin AMTAP/AMTP Apprenticeship

The Lockheed Martin Advanced Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program (AMTAP) is a highly competitive, registered apprenticeship preparing individuals for aerospace manufacturing and IT roles right in Colorado's defense corridor. Apprentices gain hands-on experience with space software product lines or IT support systems over 1-2 years, with compensation estimated at $25-$34 per hour.

This program, highlighted as part of Cohort 38 and beyond for 2026, is a golden ticket into the state's robust aerospace sector, boasting a high conversion rate to "Software Engineering Associate" roles. It offers exceptional job security and a nationally recognized credential while working for a top Denver-area employer.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a major 2026 intake expected in the second quarter. Candidates should demonstrate mechanical aptitude, foundational IT knowledge, and a strong work ethic rather than extensive prior experience. This path represents a strategic, hands-on ascent into a critical industry, with compensation that is highly sustainable given Denver's favorable cost of living.

Per Scholas Denver

For those needing to build foundational tech skills with zero upfront cost, Per Scholas Denver offers intensive, no-cost training in IT Support and Cybersecurity. The 12-15 week courses provide hands-on labs in Linux, network administration, and security monitoring, along with valuable certification vouchers to validate new skills.

While the training itself is unpaid, the program reports strong outcomes: an 80% graduation rate and an 80% job placement rate within one year of completion. As highlighted on their Denver program page, this initiative is a critical on-ramp for diverse talent into the local tech workforce, directly supporting the skills-first hiring shift.

For 2026 career-changers, this is a low-risk, high-reward starting point. Applicants should be prepared for a fast-paced, full-time commitment. Successful graduates often land entry-level IT roles at local companies, where Denver’s lower cost of living makes starting salaries more sustainable than in coastal tech hubs, providing a stable foundation for career growth in the Front Range market.

DaVita Tech Internships

Denver-based Fortune 500 company DaVita offers robust tech internships in IT and Data Science, providing a unique vantage point where technology meets mission-driven healthcare. Interns gain hands-on experience with real-world patient data analytics and enterprise application development, with compensation ranging from $25 to $35 per hour.

The program is strategically designed as a pipeline into the company's long-term leadership development tracks, offering a clear trajectory for growth. For students fascinated by the intersection of health tech and big data - a rapidly growing niche in Denver alongside employers like UCHealth - this internship delivers meaningful, local experience that directly impacts patient care.

As with other major corporate programs, applications for the Summer 2026 cohort will likely open in Fall 2025. Candidates from Metropolitan State University of Denver or CU Denver with relevant project experience in data manipulation or web applications will stand out. This role offers a direct line into a stable, mission-driven corporate tech career within the metro area, combining professional development with the purpose of transforming healthcare.

ActivateWork IT Apprenticeship

ActivateWork partners with Denver employers to offer a distinctive pathway: a tuition-free tech bootcamp followed by a paid, registered apprenticeship. This model is specifically designed for career-changers, providing a direct and supportive on-ramp into the local tech scene with a focus on immediate employability.

The financial impact for participants can be transformative. Industry experts note this model can double a participant’s pre-training wages, offering a tangible career foothold in Denver's market. For employers, the partnership is equally valuable; as reported by ColoradoBiz, companies save an estimated 30% to 35% by training apprentices on their specific tech stacks from day one compared to hiring experienced talent.

For 2026 seekers, this represents one of the most pragmatic routes into Denver's tech ecosystem. Interested individuals should monitor the ActivateWork site for upcoming cohort dates and prepare to demonstrate commitment and logical thinking, as the program is geared toward placing apprentices with local companies hungry for tailored, homegrown talent.

Apprenticeship Colorado

For a comprehensive gateway into Denver's apprenticeship terrain, Apprenticeship Colorado serves as the essential state-backed portal. It connects seekers with a wide network of registered, vetted opportunities across local tech startups and established firms like Checkr or Stantec, providing the map to various routes from software development to cloud support.

These state-recognized programs ensure quality and fair compensation, offering starting wages of $18-$28 per hour while participants earn a nationally recognized credential. This framework provides crucial stability and structure for your initial career move, integrating you into Colorado's supportive tech ecosystem with the backing of official workforce development standards.

As outlined on the state's official apprenticeship portal, the process involves registering for monthly orientations to discover ongoing opportunities. For someone scouting the entire 2026 landscape, this represents the best strategic first move - a single point of access to multiple ascents within Denver's hungry yet accessible tech market.

Charting Your Tech Career Path

Your first tech role in Denver is the initial crux move on a much longer career climb. The 2026 advantage lies in a market hungry for talent but still accessible, where paid apprenticeships, corporate internships, and immediate entry-level roles all offer distinct paths to gain essential grit. The route you choose must match your starting point and your envisioned summit.

Consider the local rock: Denver's lower cost of living amplifies the value of early-career wages, while a strong network of employers from aerospace to health tech provides diverse walls to practice on. Whether you're drawn to the intense technical pitch of an academy or the community-supported face of a non-profit program, your decision should account for the mentorship, culture, and long-term progression each path offers.

Use this list as your beta, but remember the climber's truth - the most successful ascent is the one you're equipped to finish. Scout the terrain through resources like Denver's apprenticeship community, talk to those who've left chalk marks on the wall, and commit to a path that builds your strength for the entire Front Range of your career. The sustained climb, not just the first move, defines the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions