Apprenticeships have been around for a long time, and they’re quite common with trade occupations. They allow novices to learn while working on the job with experts in a specific field. Apprenticeships are similar to internships and can be a great boost to start a career. 

However, apprenticeships are for more than hands-on trades. Many companies now offer coding apprenticeships for cyber security and other tech topics. This article will teach you everything you need to know about cyber security apprenticeships, including the requirements, job options, and programs available. 

What Is a Cyber Security Apprenticeship?

A cyber security apprenticeship is a form of learning that combines training and education. You can start working hands-on while you learn instead of staying in a classroom. This program is great for anyone interested in learning cyber security who can’t afford full-time study. You can learn new skills, build a great network, and jumpstart a rewarding career. 

What Does a Cyber Security Apprentice Do?

A cyber security apprentice will work with a cyber security company to learn more about the profession and necessary skills. Cyber security focuses on securing information systems. This is done by monitoring, detecting, investigating, analyzing, and responding to security events. 

Cyber security apprentices learn to protect systems from risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. They work against cyber criminals and people who want to steal sensitive or private information from computers. The apprenticeship helps them gain real-life job skills and sometimes make money while doing it.

Cyber Security Apprenticeship Salary

The average salary for a cyber security apprentice is $96,893 per year, according to ZipRecruiter. The factors that could influence pay include skill level, grant funds, and years of experience. However, keep in mind that some apprenticeships aren’t paid, and others require students to pay fees during the process.

Cyber Security Apprenticeship Requirements

There are several levels of cyber security apprenticeships, and each has specific requirements. These programs often favor candidates with IT experience and those who already have a degree or certificate, but it depends on the program. To apply for an apprenticeship, you first need to find out the requirements to make sure you’re eligible.

The cyber security apprenticeship application requirements differ depending on the program you are joining. Some programs require applicants to be 18 or older, have a high school diploma, have a degree, or have practical experience in the IT field. They will ask for a written application in most cases.

Types of Cyber Security Apprenticeships

There are several opportunities in the cyber security field that you can explore. Career options include cyber security technologists, computer systems analysts, and app developers, just to name a few. Below you will find a description of these apprentice roles and the typical duties they perform.

Cyber Security Technologist

A cyber security technologist apprentice learns technical skills in security design, security testing, architecture, investigations, and response. They will also gain an understanding of present cyber threats, hazards, and risks as well as how to apply the necessary controls, measures, and mitigation to protect an organization’s system and people. 

App Developer

An app developer apprentice will learn about creating, designing, testing, and programming apps for the web and specific operating systems. App developer apprentices work in teams to come up with ideas and concepts for new designs. In the context of cyber security, they will learn how to create security systems for apps and test them for quality.

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analyst apprentices work with businesses and individuals to survey, diagnose, and resolve database program issues. They examine the client or company’s computer systems and make sure everything is running smoothly. This apprenticeship is a great option if you want to become a computer systems analyst.

Penetration Tester

Penetration testers are commonly known as ethical hackers. A penetration tester apprentice works with experts to learn how to simulate cyber attacks to be able to detect and address flaws that the non-ethical hackers could exploit and access data from. This is an exciting cyber security apprenticeship option.

Cyber Security Apprenticeship Jobs

There are presently several cyber security apprentice jobs available for anyone looking to join the field. They all have different requirements, application processes, and benefits. They might be hard to get into, but they’re well worth it in the end. Take a look below at the top cyber security apprenticeships of 2021.

CyberDefenses Cyber Security Apprenticeship

The CyberDefenses apprenticeship program prides itself as the only program that offers certification exams, hands-on experience, and job placement to successful applicants. The program is open to anyone regardless of their IT or security experience. Apprentices in this program work as full-time members of the team with salaries and benefits. 

The nine-month program is registered as an Apprentice USA program with the US Department of Labor and supported by the Texas Workforce Commission. The content is provided by the CyberDefenses Academy in cooperation with Austin Community College.

Harper College Cyber Security Apprenticeship Program

This apprenticeship program lasts between a year and a half and two years. These students will work for an employer who pays them and pays for their college coursework so they can learn without worry. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to pass industry exams and gain experience working under experts in the field. 

Students are assigned to mentors to work with throughout the experience, which can help them pursue careers later on. On completion of the program, apprentices are eligible to test for six CompTIA credentials and receive an industry-recognized certification from the Department of Labor to confirm their qualification for practice.

New Apprenticeship Cyber Security Apprenticeship Program

New Apprenticeship offers a 15-month cyber security apprenticeship program. It includes three months of bootcamp training and 12 months of on-the-job experience. The tuition can be covered by your apprenticeship employer, and you don’t have to pay tuition if you don’t find a job.

This program is available in Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, which makes it a great choice for anyone in Texas who wants to become a national security expert or cyber security analyst. Although it is demanding at 40 hours a week plus 15 more of skill development, it is worth it in the long run.

Cyber Security Center for Business Apprenticeship Program

This apprenticeship program offers a 16-week online training and 600 hours of on-the-job training. The program seeks to train over 1,600 apprentices within the next four years and partner with up to 700 companies and organizations. The program is also completely free to anyone in Wisconsin.

This program is sponsored by the US Department of Labor, College of Business and Economics, the College of Letters and Sciences, and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. This means it is recognized by employers and can validate your skills from a trustworthy source.

UMBC Training Center Cyber Security Apprenticeship Program

The cyber security apprenticeship from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County lasts for a year and offers on-the-job experience along with related technical instruction. To get accepted into this program, students must meet the requirements and get hired by a company partner. 

Before you apply, you need to have a two-year or four-year degree in cyber security. So, although this apprenticeship program requires extensive experience, it will mark that you’re dedicated to the craft.

How to Get a Cyber Security Apprenticeship

There are several ways to get a cyber security apprenticeship. You can enroll in a bootcamp, apply for an internship, go to a trade school, or pursue vocational training. These help to increase your chances of getting recruited for a job, though they do not guarantee that you will.

Bootcamps

Cyber security bootcamps are short-term, intensive programs that offer training in technology programs. All you have to do is apply and take some tests depending on the school you want to enroll in. This will increase your chances of securing an apprenticeship as most programs require experience that a coding bootcamp would give you.

Internships

Like apprenticeships, internships are training programs that let you learn while working. There are some differences, however, which include the fact that most internships do not pay. Internships are usually short-term and last for two to three months, which makes them a good way to prepare for an apprenticeship later on.

Trade Schools

A trade school, or technical school, provides post-secondary education to train students for a specific job in a skilled trade career. Trade schools offer hands-on training to help students prepare for real-world jobs in their desired field. The main focus of trade schools is to instill relevant job skills in their students, which is a great way to prepare for apprenticeships.

Vocational Training

Vocational training is used to teach the skills needed in a particular field. It provides you with the technical skills needed to complete day-to-day activities in a hands-on trade. Your chances of being accepted into an apprenticeship program will increase if you complete a vocational training program before you apply because you can gain more experience.

Is a Cyber Security Apprenticeship Worth It?

A cyber security apprenticeship is worth it for anyone interested in starting a career in cyber security. The cyber security field is constantly in need of more workers, and the job opportunities are endless. An apprenticeship will help you gain experience in the field and earn money in the process. 

Cyber Security Apprenticeship FAQ