Top 10 Tech Apprenticeships, Internships and Entry-Level Jobs in Portland, OR in 2026

Table of Contents

• Your Guide to Portland's Tech Launchpads
• Intel Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship
• Nike Digital Product Design and Software Engineering Internships
• Year Up Portland
• Intel Student Internship and Co-op Program
• Per Scholas Portland
• Apprenti Oregon and Prosper Portland Initiatives
• Nike Design and Digital Apprenticeships
• New Relic Software Engineering Internship
• IBM New Collar Apprenticeship Program
• Healthcare and Research Tech Roles at OHSU and Providence
• Finding Your Perfect Fit in Portland's Tech Scene
• Frequently Asked Questions

Intel Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship

For hands-on learners seeking remarkable job security in advanced manufacturing, the Intel Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship in Hillsboro is a premier earn-while-you-learn pathway. A cornerstone of the local CHIPS Act-driven expansion, this Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is a direct pipeline into the heart of the Silicon Forest, designed for those with a high school diploma or GED.

Apprentices receive full-time pay with full Intel benefits while learning critical skills in mechanical systems, vacuum technology, electronics, and chemical handling. The program has demonstrated a powerful 90% retention rate for its graduates, offering exceptional stability, and is part of a strategic 5-year pilot program to boost U.S. chip manufacturing. This one-year commitment can also yield up to 45 college credits, making it a stellar foundation for further advancement.

As reported by the Arizona Commerce Authority, this initiative represents Intel's first U.S. apprenticeship program for manufacturing technicians. Successful applicants often begin by completing the PCC Quick Start semiconductor training, a common and highly recommended prerequisite. For a stable, high-skilled career with a global leader right in Portland's backyard, this apprenticeship is a perfect fit for dedicated, practical minds.

Nike Digital Product Design and Software Engineering Internships

For university students drawn to the intersection of sport, lifestyle, and technology, Nike’s summer internship program at its Beaverton World Headquarters offers an unparalleled immersion into a global innovation ecosystem. These competitive 10-12 week roles in software engineering, data analytics, or digital product design provide more than a resume line - they offer hands-on work on cross-functional projects that impact global digital products.

The program is known for competitive hourly pay, potential relocation and housing support, and an intense focus on cultural fit. This emphasis is well-founded; as noted in a feature on the program, CEO Elliott Hill himself is a former intern, showcasing the real potential for internal growth and leadership development. Interns gain practical experience in the digital product lifecycle and design thinking within a premier consumer-tech environment.

Ideal for current undergraduates, applications are typically accepted between September and January for the following summer. Given the high competitiveness, showcasing a portfolio with user-centric design or clean, functional code is key to standing out. For a foot-in-the-door at a globally iconic brand headquartered in the Portland metro area, this internship is a perfect fit for those who blend technical skill with creative passion.

Year Up Portland

For young adults aged 18-29 without a bachelor's degree seeking a structured, supportive bridge into tech, Year Up Portland is one of the city's most effective social mobility engines. This nationally recognized, intensive one-year model combines professional skills training in tracks like IT support and software development with a six-month corporate internship at a local partner company, all while participants receive an educational stipend.

The outcomes speak volumes about its transformative power. According to Year Up's own data, graduates earn an average starting salary of $53,000, and 72% are employed or enrolled in further education within four months of completion. The program is so confident in its outcomes that it offers a tuition refund guarantee if graduates do not find qualifying employment within six months.

"For more than 25 years, Year Up United has helped talented young adults launch meaningful careers." - Year Up United

The program's success is rooted in its holistic approach, which American Institutes for Research studies highlight for "growing and diversifying" talent pipelines. With rolling admissions for cohorts starting every six months and a strong network of Portland corporate partners, Year Up is the ideal pathway for dedicated career-changers who need both technical skills and crucial professional fluency.

Intel Student Internship and Co-op Program

For computer science and engineering students from Portland-area universities seeking profound technical depth, Intel's Student Internship & Co-op Program in Hillsboro is a flagship opportunity. These roles offer immersion in cutting-edge areas like CPU architecture, AI, and hardware-software integration at a global R&D hub right in the Silicon Forest.

Compensation is robust, with industry reports indicating undergraduates can earn between $30 to $48 per hour, plus a substantial $3,000-$5,000 housing stipend. The program offers both 12-week summer and 6-month co-op formats, allowing for flexible academic scheduling while gaining experience in large-scale project development and semiconductor engineering.

The historical 60-70% return offer rate highlights the program's role as a primary talent pipeline for Intel, though competition has intensified in recent years. Applications typically open between September and January for summer roles. For students who want to move beyond academic theory and contribute to foundational technology with some of the industry's best mentors, this internship provides an unmatched technical apprenticeship in Portland's backyard.

Per Scholas Portland

For Portlanders facing financial barriers to entering the tech industry, Per Scholas provides a critical, no-cost on-ramp. This intensive training program offers 12-15 weeks of full-time instruction in high-demand fields like IT Support, Cybersecurity, and AWS Cloud, with no tuition cost to eligible learners.

Eligibility typically requires a household income below 80% of the area median income, as outlined in Per Scholas' pre-training income policy. This commitment represents significant value, with the organization providing what amounts to up to $15,000 in tuition-free training, followed by two years of career support. It's a rigorous, fast-track model designed for dedicated career-changers who need a proven, debt-free path into the industry.

The results demonstrate its effectiveness. Graduates see a dramatic increase in earning potential, with an average post-training income of $54,606. For those ready to commit to a full-time, immersive schedule, Per Scholas acts as a powerful engine for economic mobility, directly connecting students to local employer networks and addressing equity in Portland's tech landscape. Interested applicants can find quarterly application windows and assessment details on the organization's website.

Apprenti Oregon and Prosper Portland Initiatives

For career-changers, including bootcamp graduates, who have foundational tech skills but need that critical first professional experience, the collaborative model of Apprenti Oregon and Prosper Portland initiatives offers a hidden gem. This employer-driven program works with local startups and established companies to create apprenticeship roles specifically in software development and cybersecurity, focusing on diversifying Portland's tech talent pool.

Candidates typically undergo a multi-week "bridge" training before beginning a paid, full-time apprenticeship with a host company in the Silicon Forest. Starting salaries for apprentices are competitive, typically in the $45,000-$60,000 range, with a clear path to a permanent role upon successful completion. This pathway provides invaluable on-the-job learning in full-stack development or cybersecurity within a real company environment, paired with direct mentorship.

As a tech apprenticeship aggregator notes, such programs are designed to solve acute skills challenges by creating direct pipelines from training to employment. For those seeking to break into Portland's vibrant startup and mid-size company ecosystem with hands-on support, watching for periodic cohort applications via Apprenti Oregon can open the right door.

Nike Design and Digital Apprenticeships

Distinct from its internships, Nike also offers shorter-term, paid apprenticeship contracts that provide a focused, portfolio-building immersion into the creative and technical processes behind its products. These typically 5-month roles in design and digital functions offer hands-on experience in graphic schematics, apparel construction, or digital product design tools, working directly alongside seasoned creatives at the Beaverton World Headquarters.

While not always guaranteeing a full-time position immediately, these apprenticeships are a prestigious and potent bridge into long-term contracting or permanent roles at Nike or its extensive network of agencies. Participants gain deep, project-based experience inside the design ethos of a global brand, learning industry-standard workflows and brand-centric creation.

Recruitment for these competitive roles often peaks in late winter. As visible on the Nike Careers portal and professional networks like LinkedIn, these apprenticeships are ideal for individuals with foundational design or digital skills who are seeking to validate and enhance their abilities within a world-class creative environment, right in Portland's backyard.

New Relic Software Engineering Internship

For the software purist fascinated by observability and SaaS platforms, New Relic's internship at its downtown Portland office offers a compelling blend of responsibility and technical rigor. Interns here don't work on simulated projects; they tackle problems in full-stack development or data engineering on production-level code, working alongside senior mentors who provide direct access to engineering leadership.

The compensation is solid, with reports from salary aggregation sites indicating pay of approximately $34.56-$36.00 per hour. The program typically offers 6 to 12-week terms, providing flexibility for different academic schedules while ensuring a deep dive into the company's complex, widely-used platform.

What sets this opportunity apart is the smaller team environment compared to Intel or Nike's massive programs. This scale often translates to more ownership over projects and closer collaboration with experienced engineers. For computer science students from Portland schools who want to move beyond academic exercises and contribute meaningfully to a specialized tech tool from its local engineering hub, New Relic provides a perfect fit for building a robust, practical software portfolio.

IBM New Collar Apprenticeship Program

IBM's "new collar" apprenticeship program represents a modern, skill-based hiring philosophy that opens doors for talented individuals without a traditional four-year degree in their target field. While not all roles are based in Oregon, IBM's significant presence in Hillsboro means apprenticeships in software engineering or hardware design can be available locally within the Silicon Forest.

The program lasts about 12 months, with apprentices earning an average annual pay of $52,360 (about $25.17/hour) while learning enterprise-scale software engineering or hardware design principles. A standout feature is the academic credit; as Higher Ed Dive reports, participants are eligible to receive up to 45 college credits through the American Council on Education.

This pathway is a fantastic fit for self-taught coders, community college graduates, or career-changers seeking the credibility and structured training of a legacy tech giant that values demonstrable ability over formal pedigree. For Portland residents, it offers the potential for placement at IBM's Hillsboro site, combining global reputation with local opportunity.

Healthcare and Research Tech Roles at OHSU and Providence

Portland's robust healthcare sector represents a major, yet sometimes overlooked, tech employer offering exceptional stability and mission-driven work. Major institutions like Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and Providence Health & Services consistently hire for entry-level IT support, data analyst, and junior application specialist roles, providing a direct path to apply tech skills in a critically important field.

While starting salaries for these positions may be slightly below those at pure-tech firms - often in the $50,000-$65,000 range - they are balanced by excellent benefits, high job security, and the profound satisfaction of supporting community health. This aligns with the broader Portland advantage, where, as noted in the Silicon Forest Tech Trends Report, an overwhelming majority of tech workers prize their work-life balance.

This pathway is ideal for those with foundational IT or data skills who want to apply them in a stable, impactful environment. You'll learn healthcare IT systems, data governance in a regulated environment, and user support in critical settings - all within major local institutions that are pillars of the Portland community. For the individual seeking a career with deep purpose and day-to-day stability, a role in healthcare tech offers a perfectly reliable fit.

Finding Your Perfect Fit in Portland's Tech Scene

Stepping out of the fitting room with that perfect pair of jeans, you feel a quiet confidence - not because they're the "best" jeans in the store, but because they're the right match for you. Choosing your tech launchpad in Portland follows the same principle. The Rose City in 2026 offers a unique blend of global corporate anchors, innovative apprenticeships, and mission-driven work, all within a lifestyle that prioritizes the balance so many tech professionals seek.

Whether you're drawn to the structured, hands-on training of an Intel apprenticeship, the creative intensity of a Nike program, or the community impact of a role at OHSU, the right opportunity is woven into the fabric of the Silicon Forest. Your next step is to move from consideration to action. Research each pathway deeply, network at local meetups in Portland's neighborhoods, and prepare your unique story.

For many, building foundational skills through an accessible, local program like an affordable coding bootcamp is the crucial first stitch in crafting that story. Portland's ecosystem is growing, enriched by its lower cost of living, proximity to major employers, and collaborative spirit. It's waiting for you to try something on, make adjustments, and ultimately, put down roots in a career that fits your life perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions