How to Get a Cyber Apprenticeship: Explore Dynamic Training Programs and Salary Prospects for Cyber Security Apprentices
Apprenticeships have been around for a long time, and today they are increasingly common in the tech industry. A cyber security apprenticeship allows learners to earn while they learn, gaining in-demand skills directly from experienced professionals. Apprenticeships are a valuable alternative for those who want hands-on training without the cost of a traditional four-year degree.
In this article, we examine the best cyber security apprenticeship programs, how to get started, the requirements you’ll need to meet, and the salary outlook for cyber apprenticeships.
Key Takeaways
- Cyber security apprenticeships are an accessible alternative to traditional education, offering earn-and-learn pathways into information security roles.
- Organizations with notable apprenticeship programs include Austin Community College + Texas DIR, Government (via DHS and NICE), Google, Accenture, IBM, Purdue (PCAP), GCHQ, Microsoft, and Texas A&M.
- Apprenticeships cover roles such as cyber security technologist, network security professional, cyber security analyst, and penetration tester.
- The various educational pathways that help prepare candidates for apprenticeships include bootcamps, internships, trade schools, and vocational training programs.
- The average U.S. cyber security apprenticeship salary is about $102,678 per year, with pay ranging from around $90,000 to $115,000 depending on location, certifications, and experience.¹¹
- Requirements differ by program, but most require a high school diploma or equivalent, applicants to be 18 or older, and some level of IT skills or certifications. Competitive programs may favor candidates with degrees or prior experience.
Popular Cyber Security Apprenticeships
The top cyber security apprenticeship jobs offer in-demand and hands-on training from security professionals. A cyber security apprenticeship will ensure learners are job ready once they complete their program. Furthermore, the best cyber security apprenticeships will help workers build professional technical portfolios. Below are some of the best apprenticeships in cyber security.
Austin Community College + Texas DIR Cybersecurity Apprenticeship
The CyberDefenses apprenticeship program is no longer active. In its place, Austin Community College (ACC) and the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) launched a new technology and cybersecurity apprenticeship program in 2024. This Department of Labor–registered program provides on-the-job training, professional mentorship, and industry certifications. Apprentices work with Texas state agencies on real-world security projects while earning a salary and benefits. The program emphasizes CompTIA and other foundational certifications, making it a strong entry point into the field.¹
Government Cyber Security Apprenticeships
Government cyber security apprenticeship programs are a great way to gain real-world cyber skills and work within the government industry. The US Department of Labor and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) support the NICE Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program Finder, which lists active programs nationwide. The Department of Homeland Security also offers the Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program (CSAP), where students work part-time with federal cyber teams and may transition into full-time employment after graduation.²,³
Google Cyber Security Apprenticeships
There are numerous Google apprenticeship programs available across a variety of fields. Currently, Google does not list a dedicated cyber security apprenticeship. However, Google’s IT Support and Data Analytics apprenticeships cover transferable skills relevant to cyber security, and Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate is often embedded into partner apprenticeship programs. These pathways allow aspiring cyber professionals to build core skills and network within Google.⁴
Accenture Cyber Security Apprenticeship
An Accenture cyber security apprenticeship runs full-time for 12 months. This program allows participants to earn and learn. Apprentices train alongside security experts, gaining hands-on project experience in areas like network defense, threat detection, and compliance. While Accenture no longer publishes statistics about total apprentices or hiring percentages, the program remains one of the largest corporate earn-and-learn initiatives in the United States and United Kingdom.⁵
IBM Cyber Security Apprenticeships
An IBM cyber security apprenticeship allows you to learn in-demand technical skills and earn college credit at the same time. IBM’s New Collar Apprenticeship Program includes roles like Cybersecurity Analyst. These programs are Department of Labor registered, last about 12 months, and provide training in security monitoring, incident response, and compliance. IBM apprentices earn competitive pay and benefits, with no degree required.⁶
Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program
The Purdue cyber security apprenticeship program has been adopted and updated by Purdue cyberTAP. Known as PCAP, this program offers multi-year cyber apprenticeships that combine on-the-job training, employer mentorship, and academic coursework. Apprentices gain industry-recognized certifications, and employers partner directly with Purdue to ensure relevant job skills are developed.⁷
GCHQ Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship
The GCHQ cyber security apprenticeship is part of the UK’s CyberFirst program, which continues to run in 2025. This three-year degree apprenticeship allows participants to work in full-time cyber roles while studying toward a BSc degree. Starting salaries for current cohorts are in line with UK Civil Service degree apprenticeship pay scales (about £24,000 nationally, higher in London). Tuition is covered, and graduates secure roles with GCHQ and related UK government agencies.⁸
Colorado Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program
The Colorado Community College System’s CO-TECH program, funded under the Department of Labor’s Closing the Skills Gap grant, ended in 2024. In its place, Colorado universities and industry partners now offer cybersecurity apprenticeships through regional initiatives listed on the NICE Program Finder. Prospective applicants can find active Colorado-based cyber apprenticeships from employers such as Lockheed Martin and state IT offices.²
Microsoft Leap Cybersecurity Engineer Apprenticeship
Microsoft’s dedicated cybersecurity apprenticeship pathway is now offered through the Microsoft Leap program. When open, the Cybersecurity Engineer cohort trains apprentices in penetration testing, network security, and compliance monitoring. Cohorts typically last 16 weeks, are paid, and provide placement opportunities within Microsoft or partner companies.⁹
Texas A&M University Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program
The cyber security apprenticeship program offered by the prestigious Texas A&M University has partnered with leading global organizations to help cyber security students with tomorrow’s challenges. Known as the CAP program, this three-year Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship combines classroom study with employment at industry partners. Apprentices earn certifications like CompTIA Security+ and ITIL, receive salary increases as they progress, and finish fully job-ready.¹⁰
Cyber Security Apprenticeship Salary
The average cyber security apprenticeship salary in the United States is significantly higher than older estimates like $48,870. Recent data from Salary.com puts the average base pay for cyber security apprentices at about $102,794 per year, with reported ranges from around $90,000 to $115,000 depending on region, employer, and responsibilities.¹¹ Pay can be lower in early stage apprenticeships or higher in tech hubs with specialized certifications. Factors influencing compensation include skill level, geographic cost of living, certifications, employer type, and prior IT experience. While most registered apprenticeships are paid, some programs run through universities or training providers may require tuition or fees, and others may provide stipends instead of full wages.¹²
Cyber Security Apprenticeship Requirements
There are different levels of cyber security apprenticeships, and requirements vary significantly by program. Most require at minimum: being at least 18 years old or older, a high school diploma or equivalent, and strong foundational IT skills. Competitive programs may favor or require applicants with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, prior IT or security experience, or industry certifications. Some apprenticeships, such as the DHS Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program, require students to be currently enrolled in a degree program with a minimum number of credits completed. Applicants are typically asked to submit a written application, provide transcripts, and sometimes pass technical assessments or interviews.³
Types of Cyber Security Apprentice Roles
- Cyber Security Technologist: Teaches skills in security design, testing, architecture, investigations, and incident response. Apprentices learn about current threats and how to apply controls and mitigation strategies.
- Network Security: Apprentices gain skills in vulnerability testing, firewall and cloud security, threat modeling, intrusion detection, and secure coding practices.
- Cyber Security Analyst: Combines technical and workplace skills. Apprentices learn to assess vulnerable systems, monitor for threats, analyze malware, understand attacker behavior, and prepare reports.
- Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker: Apprentices simulate attacks, conduct vulnerability assessments, exploit weaknesses under ethical guidelines, and recommend remediation strategies to strengthen defenses.
How to Get a Cyber Security Apprenticeship
There are several ways to land a cyber security apprenticeship. You can enroll in a bootcamp, apply for an internship, attend a trade or technical school, or pursue vocational or certification training. These paths help build skills, credentials, and connections—but none guarantee placement in an apprenticeship.
Bootcamps
A cyber security bootcamp is a short-term, intensive training program designed to teach technical, hands-on skills such as threat detection, vulnerability assessment, or secure coding. Bootcamps often require some tech background, but many accept beginners depending on the provider. A completed bootcamp can boost your chances of apprenticeship acceptance, because it demonstrates commitment, hands-on skills, and sometimes includes industry certifications.
Internships
Internships allow you to learn by doing in a cyber environment. These roles vary widely in length—some last a summer (8 to 12 weeks), others may be part-time over a semester. Internships may be paid or unpaid, depending on employer, sector, and whether you receive academic credit. Paying internships are increasingly viewed as the norm in tech and cyber roles.¹³ Internships are a strong stepping stone: even unpaid ones can build experience and networking that make apprenticeships more attainable.
Trade/Technical Schools and Vocational Training
Trade schools, technical schools, and other vocational training programs can teach foundational IT and cyber skills—networking, system administration, operating systems, cybersecurity fundamentals—often in hands-on labs. These credentials can strengthen your application for apprenticeships. Some apprenticeship programs may require or prefer such training.
Is a Cyber Security Apprenticeship Worth It?
Yes—especially now. The job outlook for Information Security Analysts is projected to grow approximately 29% from 2024 to 2034, far faster than average.¹⁴ An apprenticeship gives you salary or stipend-earning opportunities, mentorship, and job-relevant skills. It’s often more affordable and accessible than traditional degree programs, with many apprenticeships covering certifications and sometimes college credit.
Cyber Security Apprenticeship FAQ
Yes. They let you gain hands-on experience while often earning pay, build professional portfolios, and make you more competitive in the job market.
What does a cyber security apprentice do?
Apprentices work under senior practitioners to help protect systems and data. Tasks may include monitoring networks, investigating alerts, patching and updating systems, assisting with incident response, learning threat behavior, and applying security controls.
How long is a cyber security apprenticeship?
Duration varies. Many U.S. registered apprenticeships run 12 to 24 months. Some longer programs (especially degree-apprenticeships) may stretch to 3+ years depending on education component and employer.
What is it like to work in cyber security?
Cyber security roles can be high responsibility: protecting sensitive data, anticipating threats, and reacting under pressure. The field can involve demanding schedules or urgent response (for example, incident response or system breaches). But many apprentices report that the work is very rewarding, especially when you see the impact of your work: helping secure infrastructure, protecting people’s privacy, or stopping malicious attacks.
Sources
- https://www.it.tamu.edu/security-and-policy/about-it-security/education-outreach/cap.html
- https://www.nist.gov/itl/applied-cybersecurity/nice/resources/apprenticeship-finder
- https://niccs.cisa.gov/resources/internships-apprenticeships
- https://buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com/apprenticeships
- https://www.accenture.com/us-en/careers/local/apprenticeships
- https://www.ibm.com/careers/us-en/apprenticeships/
- https://cyber.tap.purdue.edu/pcap/
- https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberfirst/careers
- https://www.microsoft.com/leap/
- https://www.it.tamu.edu/security-and-policy/about-it-security/education-outreach/cap.html
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/hiring/cyber-security-apprentice-salary
- https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2023/10/30/Apprenticeship%20One%20Pager%20Oct2023.pdf
- https://www.cyberdegrees.org/resources/cybersecurity-internships/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
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