The scheme, developed in collaboration with sector skills council e-Skills UK, offers 15 apprenticeships for students looking to go straight into work rather than go to university.
Launching the scheme at IBM's Southbank office, John Hayes, minister of state for further education, skills and lifelong learning, said apprenticeship schemes show that "higher education is not the only way for young people to achieve in life". He said apprenticeships often have bigger benefits, offering practical skills with real value in the workplace.
"If we are going to build an advanced economy we need advanced skills. Practical skills will shape Britain's future", he said.
"There's a shortage in software development skills. I believe apprenticeships can help fill that gap."
When asked why the number of young people opting for IT careers is falling, Hayes told Computer Weekly, "Maybe a change in circumstance can re-focus minds to offer the best progression in careers. We need to offer an all-age career service so young people can make choices. We need to offer a clear vocational pathway for practical skills and for those with a technical aptitude."
The government is investing an additional £250m into apprenticeships, creating 75 000 new apprenticeships by 2015 as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review.
IBM announced its apprenticeship scheme in August this year.
To find out why two of the successful applicants believe apprenticeships offer greater opportunities than university degrees, click here to view Computer Weekly's Read all about IT blog.