Apprenticeships have been around for a long time and today they are common in the tech industry. For example, a cyber security apprenticeship allows novices to learn hands-on and in-demand skills from experts. Apprenticeships in cyber security are a great option for those who can’t afford full-time education.
In this article, we examine the best cyber security apprenticeship jobs, how to get these apprenticeships, and the different types of cyber security apprenticeship programs available to enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- Newcomers to the tech industry can use cyber security apprenticeships as an alternative to traditional education to get hands-on training from experts and carve out a pathway to entry-level roles in information security.
- Organizations with notable apprenticeship programs include CyberDefenses, Government Cyber Security, Google, Accenture, IBM, Purdue, GCHQ, and Microsoft.
- Apprenticeships cover roles such as cyber security technologist, network security professional, cyber security systems analyst, and penetration tester.
- The various educational pathways to meet the requirements for a cyber security apprenticeship include bootcamps, internships, and vocational schools.
- The average cyber security apprenticeship salary is around $48,870 per year and the average wage is about $23 per hour, with factors like skills and experience influencing pay.
- Requirements for apprenticeships differ by program, but most programs value IT experience and relevant education.
The Best 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.
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. Certifications cover Comp TIA A+, Comp TIA Network+, Comp TIA Security+, and Certified Ethical Hacker.
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. Recently, the US launched the Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Sprint program, which saw the US Department of Labor partner with the White House and other federal agencies.
You can use the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program Finder to help you find cyber security apprenticeships across the US. There is also a NICE forum where people can talk about how these government cyber security apprenticeships work.
Google Cyber Security Apprenticeships
There are numerous Google apprenticeship programs available across a variety of fields. Currently, there are no specific Google cyber security apprenticeships available. However, these programs are updated regularly and may be available in the future.
Cyber security enthusiasts can enroll in an information technology apprenticeship or a data analytics apprenticeship through Google. These programs cover some of the technical skills required for cyber security. They also allow you to make key contacts at Google that may lead to future cyber security employment.
Accenture Cyber Security Apprenticeship
An Accenture cyber security apprenticeship runs full-time for twelve months. This program allows participants to earn and learn. An apprentice will work alongside cyber security experts who provide structured learning and on-the-job training.
There are over 2,000 Accenture apprenticeships today and these programs are offered across 40 different states. Furthermore, Accenture is dedicated to its apprenticeship programs and apprentices make up 20 percent of entry-level hiring at Accenture.
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. Today, IBM technology apprenticeships cover a wide variety of skills and subjects, including cyber security.
The cyber security apprenticeship at IBM allows learners to earn up to 48 college credits from over 1,700 universities and colleges across the United States. In 2022, the IBM apprenticeship technology programs have vowed to focus on the critical field of cyber security.
Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program
The Purdue cyber security apprenticeship program has recently been adopted and updated by cyberTAP. The program aims to upskill and reskill cyber security professionals. As an apprentice at Purdue, you will get on-the-job training, earn industry-recognized credentials, and gain upward mobility within the cyber field.
With the new updates for this program now in place, it is now easier to apply and get accepted into a cyber security apprenticeship. Furthermore, the course catalog has been expanded and participants can quickly earn industry-recognized certifications.
GCHQ Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship
The GCHQ cyber security apprenticeship is due to open back up for admissions in 2023 with the commencement of the program in 2024. It’s a three-year program that balances a full-time cyber role and a degree.
The starting salary of this program is £22,000 and at the end of the program, you will earn a BSc (honors) degree. Tuition fees for your degree are covered by the program. This is an ideal way for enthusiasts to earn a salary and get a degree at the same time. Furthermore, employment opportunities in the UK will be available to graduates.
Colorado Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program
The Colorado Community College System offers an excellent cyber security apprenticeship program. The US Department of Labor Closing the Skill Gap program is behind the funding of these colorado apprenticeships.
The program has plenty of industry partners such as Microsoft, Centura Health, and Techtonic. The jobs that will be made available are high-wage and high-demand. A Colorado apprenticeship will provide learners with the skills training and real-world experience to land these in-demand cyber jobs.
Microsoft’s Cybersecurity Engineer Apprenticeship
Currently, the Microsoft cyber security apprenticeship program offers a paid summer internship abroad in Barcelona. The admission requirements for the program are strict. Candidates are required to have completed cyber security training, have previous work experience, and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
The program is only open to US citizens, and applicants cannot be currently employed by Microsoft. Attendees will learn how to protect Microsoft systems against cyberthreats and attacks. They will also learn about secure network solutions, penetration testing, managing audits, and architecting secure systems.
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. Through this program, students gain hands-on and real-world experience.
As an apprentice, students will earn professional certifications in the cyber field. Along with the relevant technical skills, students will finish the program job-ready. Interested students can apply through the Texas A&M technology services website.
Cyber Security Apprenticeship Salary
The average cyber security apprenticeship salary is $48,870 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 paid cyber security apprenticeship programs are not always available. Some programs 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.
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.
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Cyber Security Technologist
A cyber security technologist apprenticeship teaches technical skills in security design, security testing, architecture, investigations, and response. Apprentices 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.
Network Security
Network security professionals are required to know a large range of technical skills. Network security apprenticeships are a great way to learn these various skills from experts in the field. Some of these technical skills include vulnerability testing, cloud security, firewalls, threat modeling, and secure coding practices.
Cyber Security Systems Analyst
A cyber security analyst apprenticeship teaches a combination of technical and workplace skills to ensure learners can assess vulnerable systems and respond to any security threats. Furthermore, a top apprenticeship program will cover cyberattacks, malware, and the behavior of cybercriminals.
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 non-ethical hackers could exploit and access data from. This is an exciting cyber security apprenticeship option.
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 resources will help increase your chances of getting recruited for a job, though they do not guarantee that you will.
Bootcamps
A cyber security bootcamp is a short-term, intensive program that offers training in technology programs. Cyber security bootcamps typically require a tech background and are open to all students interested in this exciting field.
Completing a bootcamp program will increase your chances of securing a cyber security apprenticeship, as most of these programs require tech experience that a coding bootcamp will give you.
Internships
Like apprenticeships, a cyber security internship is a training program that lets you learn while working. There are some differences, however, which include the fact that most internships do not pay. An internship for cyber security is usually short-term and lasts for two to three months. Internships are a great way to prepare for an apprenticeship.
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 fields. 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 has a job growth rate of 35 percent, according to BLS, which is far higher than average.
The job opportunities with cyber security are endless. An apprenticeship will help you gain technical skills, learn from experts, and in most cases earn a salary. Cyber security apprenticeships are a great alternative to traditional education, which a lot of students can no longer afford.
Cyber Security Apprenticeship FAQ
Yes, cyber security apprenticeships are useful if you want to start a career in cyber security. They are a good way to kickstart your career while also allowing you to learn and earn at the same time.
What does a cyber security apprentice do?
A cyber security apprentice learns how to protect company data and information from risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. A cyber security apprentice will work with a cyber security company to learn more about the profession and gain real-life job skills.
How long is a cyber security apprenticeship?
Cyber security apprenticeship programs last for a minimum of one year and a maximum of six years. However, most cyber security apprenticeships require some previous experience which may require an additional number of months to gain.
What is it like to work in cyber security?
Working in cyber security is difficult. It is a high-stress job with demanding hours. Professionals are responsible for the safekeeping of personal and sensitive data. Furthermore, cybercrime is increasing. However, being able to protect data and information can be incredibly rewarding.
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