Entry Level UX Design Apprenticeship

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Entry Level UX Design Apprenticeship
Company: UX Woman
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Remote)
Job Type: Other (Apprenticeship Program)
Category: UX Design & Research Apprenticeship
Date Posted: September 11, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a unique, fully remote 7-month apprenticeship program focused on end-to-end UX Design and UX Research.
• Apprentices will gain practical experience by working on a personal startup idea, from concept to a compelling business and design pitch.
• The program offers 1:1 mentorship and aims to equip participants with the skills needed to secure high-paying roles in UX, Product Design, or Service Design.
• Emphasis is placed on supporting women, immigrants, POC, and LGBTQ+ individuals in breaking into the tech industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is listed as "Entry Level," the apprenticeship structure and the stated salary range ($85,000 - $130,000) suggest a significant investment in training and a high potential for future earning, rather than a typical entry-level paid position. The focus is on skill development and career transition into high-demand UX fields.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end UX design and UX research process for a self-selected startup idea.
• Drive product and feature scoping, alongside comprehensive project management for the chosen idea.
• Identify target markets and strategize product positioning for successful launch.
• Develop a scalable business model for the product or service.
• Execute discovery research, including user recruitment, research plan creation, interview guide development, conducting 8-16 user interviews, and synthesizing insights.
• Craft compelling UX design and business pitches, leveraging both qualitative and quantitative data to validate the problem and proposed solution.
• Visually articulate user stories through personas, stakeholder maps, journey maps, process maps, service blueprints, and other relevant deliverables.
• Conduct user testing on wireframes and prototypes to enhance usability and iterate on the startup concept.
• Design a unique design system from scratch, including components, a style guide, and branding.
• Analyze direct and indirect competitors to articulate the solution's differentiators and innovative potential.
• Consult with startups to define scopes of work and fulfill UX research, design, and service design needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are framed around a personal project, which serves as the primary vehicle for skill development and portfolio building. This is distinct from typical operational responsibilities where an individual supports existing company products or processes. The output of these responsibilities is the creation of a tangible project and associated deliverables for the apprentice's portfolio.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• No specific degree is required. The program is open to new graduates and career changers, indicating flexibility in educational background.

Experience:

• Open to individuals with little to no prior UX experience.
• Prior experience is not a prerequisite; the program is designed for career transitioners and those exploring new career paths.

Required Skills:

• Interest in creative career paths within UX Research, UX Design, Product Design, or Service Design.
• Willingness to commit 5-10 hours per week to program deliverables.
• Availability to attend 2-3 hour weekend lectures or complete online video course modules.
• Openness to receiving constructive feedback from UX mentors and demonstrating a commitment to revising design work.
• Ability to articulate a compelling narrative around user needs and proposed solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrates curiosity and a proactive approach to learning new methodologies.
• Shows potential for creative problem-solving and strategic thinking.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with mentors.
• Ability to manage time effectively to meet program deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is less on pre-existing technical skills and more on foundational qualities like curiosity, coachability, commitment, and the potential to develop in UX-related fields. The program is designed to build these skills from the ground up.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Development of a comprehensive portfolio project showcasing end-to-end UX design and research.
• The project should demonstrate the ability to take a concept from 0-1, including research, ideation, design, and business strategy.
• The portfolio must effectively illustrate the apprentice's ability to manage a project lifecycle independently.
• Evidence of iterative design processes, user testing, and incorporating feedback will be crucial.

Process Documentation:

• Documenting the complete design process, from initial discovery and user research to final design deliverables and business model development.
• Clearly outlining research methodologies used, including user recruitment strategies and interview synthesis.
• Detailing the ideation and design phases, including wireframing, prototyping, and the creation of visual deliverables.
• Showcasing the development and application of a unique design system.
• Articulating competitor analysis and the strategic positioning of the solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this apprenticeship, the "portfolio" is the direct outcome of the program's work. Applicants are explicitly told they do not need a portfolio to apply, as the program's purpose is to help them build one. The focus will be on the apprentice's ability to document and present their journey through the 7-month program effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated $85,000 - $130,000 annually upon successful completion and placement in a UX-related role.

Benefits:

• Free participation in the 7-month apprenticeship program.
• 1:1 mentorship from experienced UX professionals.
• Comprehensive training covering the end-to-end UX design and research process.
• Access to weekend lectures or online course modules.
• Career coaching and support to help land a 6-figure UX job.
• Networking opportunities within the tech and UX communities.
• Support for career transition into high-demand tech roles.

Working Hours:

• Commitment of 5-10 hours per week for program deliverables.
• Additional time may be required for weekend lectures (2-3 hours).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an outcome of the program, representing the typical earning potential of alumni, not the compensation during the apprenticeship, which is free. The benefits are centered around education, mentorship, and career placement services.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Education, Consulting, Social Services. The company focuses on tech career enablement, particularly in UX, with a strong social mission. Company Size: Small to Medium-sized (implied by the apprenticeship program structure and personalized mentorship). Founded: Information not specified, but the focus on empowering underrepresented groups suggests a mission-driven organization.

Team Structure:

• Apprentices will work independently on their projects but receive direct guidance from dedicated UX mentors.
• The broader UX Woman organization likely consists of program managers, mentors, and administrative staff supporting the apprentices.
• Collaboration will be primarily with mentors and potentially with a cohort of fellow apprentices.

Methodology:

• The program follows a structured, project-based learning methodology.
• Emphasis on hands-on experience, iterative design, and user-centered approaches.
• Mentorship is a core component, guiding apprentices through problem-solving and skill development.
• Data-driven decision-making is encouraged, particularly in user research synthesis and business model validation.

Company Website: https://ux-woman.breezy.hr

📝 Enhancement Note: UX Woman appears to be an organization dedicated to facilitating career transitions into UX, with a particular focus on diversity and inclusion. The "company culture" for an apprentice is therefore defined by the program's structure, mentorship model, and its mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an "Apprenticeship" level, designed as a stepping stone into professional UX careers. It's not an operations role in the traditional sense but a training ground for future UX professionals. Reporting Structure: Apprentices report to their assigned UX mentors for guidance and feedback on their personal projects. The program administrators manage the overall cohort. Operations Impact: The "impact" here is personal career advancement. Successful completion leads to the ability to secure roles with significant impact on product development, user experience, and business strategy within technology companies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX Research, UX Design, Product Design, or Service Design through focused project work and mentorship.
• Industry Exposure: Gain insights into startup environments and the tech industry through project work and potential consultations.
• Career Placement: Receive direct support and coaching to transition into well-compensated roles, with a target of $85k-$130k.
• Networking: Build connections with mentors and potentially other industry professionals through the program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth is entirely focused on developing UX skills and securing a UX-related job, not on climbing a traditional operations ladder. The "impact" is measured by the apprentice's future career success and earning potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. The program is designed to be accessible globally, with no physical office requirement. Office Location(s): Remote, anywhere in the world is eligible to apply.

Workspace Context:

• Apprentices will establish their own remote workspace.
• The environment is conducive to self-directed learning and project work.
• Collaboration occurs through digital communication channels (e.g., video calls, email, project management tools).
• Access to online learning resources and mentorship support is provided remotely.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible, with a required commitment of 5-10 hours per week for project work.
• Potential for 2-3 hour weekend lectures, which can also be completed via online modules.
• This flexibility is ideal for individuals balancing existing commitments (e.g., current jobs, studies).

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the apprenticeship is a key feature, enabling global participation and offering flexibility. The "workspace context" is about the tools and communication methods used to facilitate remote learning and mentorship.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Form: Initial submission via Breezy HR application form, requiring LinkedIn profile, resume, and a statement of interest.
• Email Communication: Selected candidates will receive UX tips and challenges via email and will be contacted for further steps.
• Brief Interview: A short interview process will occur for candidates selected for the cohort.
• Rolling Basis: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• For Application: You do NOT need a portfolio to apply. The program is for individuals at the very beginning of their career change.
• During Program: The portfolio will be built during the 7-month apprenticeship. Success will be measured by the quality and completeness of this project.
• Presentation: Apprentices will need to present their startup idea, design process, research findings, and business model effectively, showcasing their journey and skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Applicants may receive "UX tips and challenges" via email to help them prepare.
• While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to research fundamental UX concepts (user research, wireframing, prototyping) and common challenges faced by new UX professionals.
• Be prepared to articulate your motivation for a career change and your interest in UX.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is designed to be low-barrier, specifically accommodating individuals without prior UX experience or a portfolio. The "review process" for the portfolio happens after the apprenticeship, as the apprenticeship's goal is to create it.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: While specific tools aren't mandated, apprentices will likely use industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or similar for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.
• Research & Synthesis: Tools for user interview transcription (e.g., Otter.ai, Descript), affinity mapping (e.g., Miro, Mural), and survey creation (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).
• Project Management: Tools like Trello, Asana, Notion, or Jira may be used for personal project management and workflow tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic understanding of analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) might be beneficial for understanding product usage, though not a core requirement for building the initial product.
• Tools for creating visual reports and presentations (e.g., Google Slides, Keynote, Canva).

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the apprenticeship project itself, but an awareness of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and automation concepts within product design could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The program emphasizes learning the process and methodologies of UX. Specific tool proficiency isn't a prerequisite for entry, but apprentices will be expected to learn and use relevant tools to execute their projects. The focus will be on industry-standard tools commonly used in UX roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Empowerment: A core value is empowering individuals from underrepresented groups to break into tech and achieve financial success.
• Inclusivity: Commitment to supporting women, immigrants, POC, and LGBTQ+ communities.
• Growth Mindset: Encouraging continuous learning, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace feedback for personal and professional development.
• Impact-Driven: Focusing on tangible outcomes, such as building successful products and securing high-paying jobs.
• Collaboration: Valuing mentorship and the exchange of knowledge between mentors and apprentices.

Collaboration Style:

• Primarily mentor-apprentice relationship, characterized by guidance, feedback, and knowledge transfer.
• Potential for peer-to-peer learning within a cohort of apprentices.
• Communication will be digital and asynchronous/synchronous, depending on mentor availability and session scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "team culture" is defined by the program's mission and its approach to mentorship and skill development. Apprentices are expected to embody the values of learning, growth, and inclusivity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Independent Project Management: Successfully managing a self-directed project from conception to completion within the 7-month timeframe.
• Learning Curve: Mastering a wide range of UX concepts and tools from scratch.
• Receiving and Integrating Feedback: Effectively processing constructive criticism and iterating on designs.
• Business Acumen Development: Building a viable business model and positioning strategy for a startup idea.
• Job Market Navigation: Translating apprenticeship experience into a successful job search and interview process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Comprehensive UX Training: Gaining hands-on experience across the entire UX lifecycle.
• Personalized Mentorship: Receiving tailored guidance and support from industry professionals.
• Portfolio Building: Creating a strong portfolio piece that showcases practical skills and project ownership.
• Career Coaching: Direct assistance with resume building, interview preparation, and job placement strategies.
• Industry Insights: Understanding the demands and best practices of the UX field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to undertaking a significant personal project and transitioning careers. The growth opportunities are the direct benefits provided by the program to overcome these challenges and achieve career goals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Motivation & Career Change: "Why are you interested in UX design/research?" "What led you to consider a career change?" "What are your long-term career aspirations in tech?"
• Problem-Solving Approach: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge or research question. Focus on your process (user-centricity, research, ideation, testing).
• Learning & Adaptability: "How do you typically learn new skills?" "Describe a time you received difficult feedback and how you responded."

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research UX Woman's mission and values. Be prepared to articulate how you align with their commitment to empowering underrepresented groups in tech.
• Understand the program structure and what you expect from mentorship.
• Discuss your understanding of the UX industry and its importance.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Since you don't have a portfolio to start, focus on how you plan to document your project.
• Be ready to verbally walk through your proposed project idea, the target market, and your initial thoughts on the design and research process.
• Emphasize your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and commitment to the program's objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus on demonstrating potential, coachability, and genuine interest in UX, rather than pre-existing expertise. Articulating a clear motivation for career change and alignment with UX Woman's mission will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design Apprenticeship:

• Submit your application through the provided Breezy HR link.
• Prepare Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight transferable skills from previous roles or education (e.g., problem-solving, communication, project management, attention to detail, any creative pursuits). Emphasize your interest in UX and your motivation for a career change.
• Review UX Fundamentals: Familiarize yourself with core UX concepts like user-centered design, the design thinking process, basic wireframing, and the importance of user research. This will help you understand the program's scope and articulate your interest.
• Craft Your Statement of Interest: Clearly articulate why you are drawn to UX, why you are interested in this specific apprenticeship program, and what you hope to achieve. Highlight your alignment with UX Woman's mission.
• Be Responsive: Keep an eye on your email for communications from UX Woman, as they may send preliminary UX tips or challenges.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions tailored to the provided apprenticeship program. All details should be verified directly with UX Woman during the application or interview process. The salary range represents potential post-program earnings, not compensation during the free apprenticeship.