Autodesk Life
Autodesk’s apprenticeship program bridges the gap between education and the workplace, providing a comprehensive learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. It offers a valuable pathway to acquire the skills, experience, and credentials necessary for a successful career.
While apprenticeship programs and internships share similarities, they have key differences. An apprenticeship is a longer-term program focused on training individuals for a specific profession through hands-on training and classroom learning, offering industry-recognized credentials and clear career advancement opportunities.
We launched our apprenticeship program in India last summer. Meet a few apprentices who are currently participating in our first cohort:
Keerthana J is a Technical Recruitment Apprentice based in Bengaluru. In her role, she supports the end-to-end hiring process — assisting with the sourcing of top tech talent, coordinating recruitment efforts, and ensuring a seamless candidate experience. She organized a tech event in Pune to create space for talent engagement and meaningful conversations, and hosts a monthly AI session to help the Tech Recruiting team foster continuous learning and innovation.
Simardeep Singh is a Software Engineering Apprentice based in Bengaluru. In his role, he assists with work on Salesforce, focusing on feature enhancements and additions in the Territory Management System (TMS) and Portfolio Management Tool (PMT) applications. He also serves as the Scrum Master, where he maintains the Jira board, conducts meetings with stakeholders, handles sprint reviews, and ensures agile processes run smoothly.
Urshila Bhat is a Technical Support Apprentice based in Bengaluru. In her role, she shadows senior colleagues to learn Revit troubleshooting by reviewing models, identifying the root cause of problems, and devising the most efficient solutions. A key part of her role involves helping conduct research, which includes reviewing Revit documentation, knowledge-centered service (KCS), and knowledge bases. She attends customer calls to help with engaging customers, understanding their challenges, and collaboratively finding solutions. She has also been part of many cultural events in the Bengaluru office.
What motivated you to apply for an apprenticeship at Autodesk?
Urshila: I decided to apply for an apprenticeship at Autodesk as the company played a very significant role in my education. While pursuing architecture, I used Autodesk products profoundly, and they became an essential part of how I approached design and problem-solving. As I got to know more about Autodesk, I developed a resonance with the company’s mission, “Empower everyone, everywhere, to design and make anything.” This apprenticeship is a great opportunity for me to further develop my skills and contribute to the success of the company whose products I have long relied on and admire.
Keerthana: I wasn’t just looking for any apprenticeship — I was looking for a place where I could push my limits, evolve, and truly contribute. Autodesk stood out because it wasn’t just about work; it was about learning, innovating, and growing together. The most rewarding part has been the transformation I’ve undergone. Initially, I wasn’t the type to start conversations, but today, I find myself actively engaging and connecting with people across different teams.
Simardeep: I was motivated to apply for an apprenticeship at Autodesk due to my passion for technological innovation and problem-solving. Autodesk’s reputation as a leader in the software industry – particularly in areas such as 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software – greatly inspired me. I admire the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible through its cutting-edge tools and solutions. Additionally, the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking team was highly appealing.
How has Autodesk supported you throughout your apprenticeship?
Simardeep: In my first week as an apprentice, the Early Career team held sessions on navigating a professional setting, covering topics such as communication, personal branding, time management, prioritization, and building a network. They also conducted various sessions with seasoned engineers, who shared invaluable insights and lessons from their experiences and career journeys.
Throughout my apprenticeship at Autodesk, I’ve received tremendous support and mentorship from both my manager and colleagues. I am fortunate to have two amazing mentors who have provided invaluable guidance on Salesforce and the business aspects of our team. They helped me overcome all the hurdles I faced while learning and delivering work for the team.
Urshila: I have received exceptional support and mentorship from Autodesk throughout my apprenticeship. Everyone has been extremely helpful and makes the environment so comfortable that I’ve never hesitated to ask questions. I’ve been given the freedom to try new things, which helped me explore areas I hadn’t expected at all.
Throughout the apprenticeship, I’ve gone through numerous trainings to help me develop and polish the technical and soft skills that are vital for customer support and complex problem-solving. I got the chance to develop my problem-solving skills by working on real-time cases and solving various technical issues, and learned about collaboration across various individuals, which helped me enhance my capability as a team player. Working on cases and simultaneously upskilling has helped me with prioritizing and time management.
Keerthana: The supportive culture at Autodesk has played a huge role in my growth. My team members and mentors have always been there to guide me, share their experiences, and encourage me to take on new challenges. The company has also given me access to incredible learning opportunities, from mentorship sessions and LinkedIn Learning courses to hands-on experience with sourcing tools and recruitment strategies.
But beyond everything I’ve learned, it’s the people here who have made this journey so special. The friendships I’ve built, the everyday moments of laughter, and the incredible support from my team have made Autodesk feel like a second home.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for the apprentice program at Autodesk?
Keerthana: Say “yes” to opportunities! Autodesk offers a space where you can learn, experiment, and grow, but the key is to step forward and embrace every experience. Be open to feedback, connect with people, and make the most of your time here — it’s an environment that truly supports your personal and professional journey.
Simardeep: Embrace every learning opportunity and be proactive in seeking out experiences that interest you. Autodesk offers a wealth of resources and support, so take advantage of the training sessions, mentorship, and networking opportunities available. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance from your mentors and colleagues — they are there to help you succeed. Additionally, be open to new technologies and approaches, as this will enhance your skill set and adaptability. Lastly: Stay curious, be persistent, and always strive to contribute your unique ideas and perspectives. The apprenticeship program is a fantastic platform for growth and development, and making the most of it will set you on a strong path for your future career.
Urshila: Stay adaptable and positive. The apprenticeship will bring opportunities to explore new things, so be ready to explore different aspects of your role, which, in return, will help you to expand your skill set. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone here is willing to help, and you can learn a lot from their expertise. It is an incredible experience, so be prepared to give your all and enjoy the ride!
Learn about Autodesk internships and early career opportunities here.