The field of product design continues to expand rapidly, and aspiring designers now have more flexible options than ever to gain experience—without needing to relocate or attend in-person programs. Online product design apprenticeships are bridging the gap between education and employment, offering real-world exposure, structured mentorship, and access to collaborative digital tools. For those seeking a remote-friendly path into the industry, these programs are both accessible and highly valuable.
In this article, we explore the top 10 online apprenticeships in product design and the rewarding career paths they can lead to.
Benefits of Online Product Design Apprenticeships
Online apprenticeships offer several unique advantages for emerging product designers. These programs are often flexible, allowing participants to learn and work from anywhere, which broadens access to top-tier companies regardless of geography. Participants gain hands-on experience with real projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams remotely, and benefit from mentorship that helps them refine both soft and technical skills.
Importantly, online apprenticeships also build confidence, teach time management in distributed work environments, and often lead to full-time employment in design roles.
Top 10 Product Design Online Apprenticeships
The demand for accessible and flexible learning opportunities has led to the rise of remote product design apprenticeships. These programs offer real-world experience, expert mentorship, and the chance to work on live projects—all from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re new to design or transitioning careers, the following online apprenticeships provide excellent entry points into the industry.
1. Google UX Design Apprenticeship
Google’s UX Design Apprenticeship is a paid program designed to build foundational skills in user experience while working alongside experienced professionals. This 20-month program is available online in select countries and includes both classroom learning and on-the-job training. Apprentices contribute to real Google products and gain exposure to cross-functional collaboration, accessibility standards, and design thinking.
2. Figma Design Apprenticeship
Figma offers a remote-friendly design apprenticeship focused on interface design, product strategy, and collaborative workflows. Participants work closely with design and engineering teams to contribute to the Figma product. The program emphasizes mentorship, hands-on project work, and building a strong portfolio in a fully remote environment.
3. IBM Apprenticeship Program
IBM’s apprenticeship program includes UX and UI design roles with remote options. It focuses on user research, prototyping, wireframing, and interaction design. Apprentices work within agile teams, receive ongoing mentorship, and gain access to IBM’s robust learning resources, positioning them for long-term careers in design and tech.
4. LinkedIn Reach Apprenticeship
LinkedIn’s Reach Apprenticeship is an inclusive program that supports individuals with nontraditional backgrounds entering the tech industry. UX and product design apprentices gain real experience designing for a global platform, all while being supported remotely through mentorship, structured training, and collaborative project work.
5. Atlassian Design Apprenticeship
Atlassian offers remote apprenticeships that focus on developing design skills in platforms like Jira and Confluence. Apprentices gain experience working in global, distributed teams while learning product thinking, research, and accessibility. The company values self-starters and provides a supportive mentorship environment.
6. Shopify UX Apprenticeship
Shopify’s UX apprenticeship is a remote, paid program aimed at developing the next generation of UX professionals. Participants collaborate across disciplines, contribute to e-commerce products, and develop skills in user research, interaction design, and UX writing—all from the comfort of their home workspace.
7. Spotify Design Internship (Remote-Friendly)
Though primarily labeled an internship, Spotify’s remote design program offers apprenticeship-style mentorship and real product work. Designers help shape the user experience of Spotify’s apps and services, working remotely across different time zones while learning under seasoned design leads.
8. Adobe Design Circle Mentorship Program
While not a traditional apprenticeship, the Adobe Design Circle Mentorship pairs aspiring designers with seasoned professionals for structured remote mentorship. Participants work on personal or professional design projects with guidance, building portfolios and career readiness in digital product design.
9. Reaktor Design Apprenticeship
Reaktor offers design apprenticeships and internships that can be completed remotely, depending on the team and location. Apprentices join small, agile teams and get involved in UX research, prototyping, and interface design for clients across various industries. The program values creativity and initiative in its remote design culture.
10. Bitovi UX Apprenticeship
Bitovi is a remote-first company offering UX design apprenticeships focused on user research, wireframing, design systems, and client collaboration. Apprentices receive one-on-one mentoring, participate in real client projects, and gain exposure to consulting environments—all online.
Career Paths After an Online Product Design Apprenticeship
Completing an online apprenticeship in product design opens doors to a variety of fulfilling careers. Common roles include:
- UX Designer – Focuses on optimizing user experience through research, testing, and interaction design
- UI Designer – Specializes in designing interfaces that are both functional and visually appealing
- Product Designer – Takes a holistic role in shaping product functionality, aesthetics, and business alignment
- Interaction Designer – Crafts intuitive digital interactions and micro-animations to enhance usability
- UX Researcher – Dives into user behavior and feedback to inform data-driven design decisions
- Design Systems Specialist – Builds and maintains scalable component libraries and design standards
- Accessibility Designer – Ensures digital products are usable by people of all abilities
As designers gain more experience, they can progress into roles such as Design Lead, UX Strategist, or Product Design Manager, often leading entire teams and contributing to broader business goals.
Conclusion
Online product design apprenticeships are a game-changing opportunity for aspiring designers to gain real-world experience, mentorship, and industry exposure—all without geographic barriers. These programs prepare you for a wide range of careers in UX, UI, and product design while helping you build a portfolio that stands out in a competitive market.
Whether you’re transitioning from another field or starting fresh, consider applying to one of these top programs to jumpstart your design career from anywhere in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Online apprenticeships offer flexible, real-world training for aspiring product designers.
- Google, Figma, IBM, Shopify, and LinkedIn provide structured, remote-friendly programs with mentorship and hands-on design work.
- Core skills developed include UX/UI design, user research, prototyping, collaboration, and portfolio building.
- Programs like Adobe Design Circle and Bitovi offer mentorship and client-based projects to boost job readiness.
- These apprenticeships are excellent entry points for those with nontraditional backgrounds or no prior experience.
Consider taking the Parsons Product Design Essentials online course and certificate program offered by Yellowbrick to further enhance your skills and excel in the dynamic field of product design.
