Pinterest Apprenticeship Program: A Pathway Into Technology for Non-Tech Professionals

The Pinterest Apprenticeship Program provides professionals from non-technical backgrounds and individuals who may face barriers to entering the technology industry with an opportunity to gain practical experience at Pinterest.

The programme is designed for people looking to transition into technology while gaining hands-on experience in areas including engineering, product management, product design and product research.

About the Pinterest Apprenticeship Program

Entering the technology industry can be difficult for people who did not begin their careers in traditional technology roles. Pinterest’s apprenticeship programme provides an alternative pathway for professionals who want to develop relevant skills and gain experience within a technology company.

The programme specifically aims to support people from non-tech backgrounds and individuals who may have experienced barriers to entering the industry.

Rather than requiring everyone to follow the same traditional career path, the programme creates opportunities across several areas of technology and product development.

Apprenticeship Opportunities Available

The Pinterest Apprenticeship Program features four main pathways:

1. Apprentice Engineer

The Apprentice Engineer pathway provides an opportunity to gain experience in software engineering and technology development.

Depending on the position, apprentices may be exposed to:

• Software development
• Engineering projects
• Technical problem-solving
• Working with engineering teams
• Development processes
• Technology products and systems

This pathway can be suitable for professionals who have developed technical skills through alternative education or career routes and want to transition into a professional engineering environment.

2. Apprentice Product Manager

The Apprentice Product Manager pathway focuses on developing and improving digital products.

Product management involves understanding user needs, identifying opportunities and working with different teams to guide product development.

Apprentices may gain experience in:

• Product strategy
• User needs and research
• Product development
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Problem identification
• Product decision-making

This pathway may be particularly relevant to people with backgrounds in business, strategy, communications, project management or research.

3. Apprentice Product Designer

The Apprentice Product Designer pathway focuses on creating digital products and user experiences.

Participants may gain experience in:

• Digital product design
• User experience
• User interface design
• Design thinking
• Problem-solving
• Working with product and engineering teams

This can provide an entry point into technology for professionals with design or other creative backgrounds.

4. Apprentice Product Researcher

The Apprentice Product Researcher pathway focuses on understanding users and using research findings to inform product decisions.

Areas of exposure may include:

• User research
• Research methodologies
• User behaviour
• Data and insights
• Product decision-making
• Collaboration with designers, engineers and product managers

This pathway may be relevant to people with backgrounds in research, psychology, sociology, social sciences, communications and related disciplines.

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How Long Does the Apprenticeship Last?

Pinterest states that apprenticeships can last for up to one year. However, the exact length of an apprenticeship is not guaranteed.

Participants are employed throughout the programme, and apprentices may potentially be considered for conversion to a full-time role at Pinterest after completing the apprenticeship.

It is important to note that full-time employment is not guaranteed.

Who Is the Programme Designed For?

The programme is particularly focused on:

• Professionals from non-tech backgrounds
• Individuals seeking to transition into technology
• People who may have experienced barriers to entering the technology industry
• Candidates interested in engineering, product management, product design or product research
• Individuals looking for an alternative pathway into the technology sector

This makes the programme especially interesting for career changers who already possess transferable skills but need practical technology industry experience.

What Can Apprentices Gain?

An apprenticeship can provide an opportunity to develop both technical and professional capabilities while working in a real-world environment.

Participants can potentially build:

• Industry knowledge
• Technical and professional skills
• Practical work experience
• Professional networks
• Understanding of technology development
• Confidence working with cross-functional teams

These experiences can help participants become better prepared for future technology roles.

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Potential Pathway to Full-Time Employment

One of the major attractions of the programme is the possibility of being considered for a full-time position at Pinterest.

However, applicants should understand that conversion is not guaranteed.

The apprenticeship should therefore be viewed primarily as a professional development and work experience opportunity, with potential for longer-term employment depending on available roles and the individual’s performance.

A Supportive Professional Community

Pinterest also highlights its focus on building a community where employees can develop relationships, connections and a sense of belonging.

For apprentices, being surrounded by colleagues and professionals can be particularly valuable when making a career transition into a new industry.

How to Prepare for the Programme

Although the next application opening has not been given a specific deadline, prospective applicants can start preparing now.

1. Choose Your Career Path

Consider whether you are most interested in:

• Engineering
• Product management
• Product design
• Product research

2. Highlight Transferable Skills

Coming from a non-tech background does not mean you have no relevant experience.

Skills such as communication, research, problem-solving, project management, data analysis, creativity, business strategy, customer understanding and leadership can be valuable in technology roles.

3. Build Relevant Projects

Start creating evidence of your skills.

For example:

• Engineering candidates can build software projects.
• Product management candidates can create product case studies.
• Designers can develop UX/UI portfolios.
• Product researchers can showcase research projects and user insights.

4. Research Pinterest

Learn about Pinterest’s products, users and technology. Understanding the company’s platform can help demonstrate genuine interest when applications open.

5. Sign Up for Updates

Pinterest is encouraging interested candidates to sign up for apprenticeship notifications so they can receive updates when applications open for the next cohort.

Application Deadline

No specific application deadline has been announced for the next cohort.

Interested candidates should sign up for notifications and monitor Pinterest’s official apprenticeship channels for the next application opening.

Conclusion

The Pinterest Apprenticeship Program offers an alternative route into the technology industry for professionals who may not have followed a traditional technology career path.

For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.