Top 10 Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Programs For You in 2025

With over 4.8 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally, it is the perfect time to launch a career in this high-demand field. Whether you're a high school graduate, a career switcher, or a veteran, cybersecurity apprenticeships offer a paid, hands-on path to gain skills.

You can earn industry certifications, and secure a rewarding job—without the burden of costly degrees. These programs combine real-world experience with mentorship, making them ideal for beginners eager to break into cybersecurity.

In this guide, we explore the best cybersecurity apprenticeship programs, detailing their benefits, requirements, and application processes.

Why Choose a Cybersecurity Apprenticeship?

Cybersecurity apprenticeships are a game-changer for aspiring professionals. Unlike traditional degrees or bootcamps, they offer paid training, hands-on experience, and a direct path to employment. Here’s why they’re a smart choice in 2025:

• Earn While You Learn: Apprenticeships pay salaries ranging from $18–$24/hour (CyberForward) to $45,000/year (Boeing), offsetting education costs.
• Hands-On Experience: Work on real projects, from securing networks to ethical hacking, under expert mentorship.
• Industry Certifications: Many programs include CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or IBM Cybersecurity Professional Certificates, boosting your resume.
• Job Security: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 32% growth in cybersecurity roles from 2020–2030, far outpacing other fields.
• Accessibility: Open to high school graduates, veterans, and career switchers, often requiring only basic IT knowledge.

Top 12 Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Programs

Below are the best cybersecurity apprenticeships, selected for their paid training, industry recognition, and career outcomes.

1. IBM Cybersecurity Apprenticeship

• Provider: IBM
• Location: Hybrid (select U.S. cities) or remote
• Duration: 12 months
• Prerequisites: High school diploma; basic IT knowledge preferred
• Salary: Paid, competitive stipend (varies by location)
• Certifications: IBM Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
• Application: Apply via IBM’s portal; rolling deadlines

Why Choose?: IBM’s program is ideal for non-degree holders seeking hands-on experience. Apprentices work on real cybersecurity projects, from threat detection to incident response, and earn a globally recognized certificate. The program boasts a high job placement rate, with many graduates securing roles at IBM or partner firms.

2. Homeland Security Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program (CSAP)

• Provider: DHS
• Location: Remote or in-person (Washington, D.C.)
• Duration: 12–24 months, part-time (16–20 hours/week)
• Prerequisites: Enrolled in a degree program; U.S. citizenship
• Salary: Paid, hourly (GS-scale equivalent)
• Certifications: CompTIA Security+, potential for others
• Application: Via USAJobs.gov; deadlines vary

Why Choose?: CSAP targets students, offering flexible hours and exposure to federal cybersecurity operations. Apprentices support DHS missions, like protecting critical infrastructure, with pathways to full-time roles.

3. Boeing Technical Apprenticeship Program (Cybersecurity Track)

• Provider: Boeing
• Location: In-person (select U.S. locations, e.g., Seattle, St. Louis)
• Duration: 12 months
• Prerequisites: High school diploma; IT or STEM interest
• Salary: ~$45,000/year
• Certifications: CompTIA Security+, internal training
• Application: Boeing careers site; spring 2025 deadlines

Why Choose?: Boeing’s program immerses apprentices in aerospace cybersecurity, protecting systems like aircraft networks. With a competitive salary and mentorship, it’s perfect for those seeking high-stakes, hands-on roles.

4. CyberForward Academy Apprenticeship

• Provider: CyberForward
• Location: Hybrid (California) or remote
• Duration: 6–12 months
• Prerequisites: High school diploma; open to all ages
• Salary: $18–$24/hour
• Certifications: CompTIA A+, Security+
• Application: CyberForward website; rolling applications

Why Choose?: CyberForward focuses on entry-level roles like support technicians. Its flexible format suits high school graduates and career switchers. Interested in learning more about work experiences in cyber security. Talk with us on our getting started page or start moving forward now by getting your tech worker readiness score.

5. Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program

• Provider: Purdue University
• Location: Fully online
• Duration: 12–36 months
• Prerequisites: High school diploma; IT basics
• Salary: Paid, varies by employer partner
• Certifications: CompTIA Security+, associate/bachelor’s credits
• Application: Purdue website; rolling deadlines

Why Choose?: Purdue combines online learning with paid apprenticeships, offering credits toward degrees. Ideal for those balancing work and education, it partners with employers nationwide.

6. Accenture Cybersecurity Apprenticeship

• Provider: Accenture
• Location: In-person (select U.S. cities) or hybrid
• Duration: 12 months, full-time
• Prerequisites: High school diploma; IT interest
• Salary: Paid, competitive
• Certifications: Accenture-specific certifications
• Application: Accenture careers portal.

Why Choose?: Accenture’s global reach provides apprentices with exposure to enterprise cybersecurity. Expect hands-on projects like securing cloud systems, with strong job placement support.

7. Colorado Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program (C-CAP)

• Provider: Colorado Community College System
• Location: Online
• Duration: 12–24 months
• Prerequisites: High school diploma
• Salary: Paid, varies by employer
• Certifications: CompTIA Security+, 12 college credits
• Application: C-CAP website; rolling applications

Why Choose?: C-CAP’s online format includes bootcamps and certifications, ideal for remote learners. It emphasizes practical skills and offers credits toward a B.S. degree.

8. Lockheed Martin Cybersecurity Apprenticeship

• Provider: Lockheed Martin
• Location: In-person (select U.S. locations)
• Duration: 12–18 months
• Prerequisites: High school diploma; U.S. citizenship
• Salary: Paid, competitive
• Certifications: CompTIA Security+, internal training
• Application: Lockheed Martin careers site; spring 2025

Why Choose?: Focused on defense cybersecurity, this program offers mentorship and hands-on training. It’s open to all ages, with a strong emphasis on national security projects.

9. ASU Center for Cybersecurity Apprenticeship

• Provider: Arizona State University
• Location: In-person (Tempe, AZ)
• Duration: 6 months
• Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; research interest
• Salary: Paid, stipend-based
• Certifications: None, research-focused
• Application: ASU website; July 2025 deadline

Why Choose?: This program suits those exploring PhD paths, offering paid research in cybersecurity. It’s a unique stepping stone to advanced careers.

10. Apprenti Network Security Administrator Apprenticeship

• Provider: Apprenti
• Location: Varies (U.S.-wide, hybrid options)
• Duration: 12 months
• Prerequisites: High school diploma; aptitude test
• Salary: Paid, varies by region
• Certifications: Industry-recognized (e.g., CompTIA)
• Application: Apprenti website; rolling applications

Why Choose?: Apprenti prioritizes underrepresented groups, offering accessible training and high job placement rates. It’s a leader in diversity-focused cybersecurity apprenticeships.

How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Apprenticeship

With so many cybersecurity apprenticeship programs, selecting the right one depends on your goals and circumstances. Consider these factors:

• Career Goals: Want an entry-level role (e.g., support technician) or an advanced path (e.g., analyst)? Programs like CyberForward focus on beginners, while ASU targets research-oriented careers.
• Prerequisites: Some require IT basics or certifications like CompTIA A+. Others, like IBM, are open to novices.
• Certifications: Prioritize programs offering CompTIA Security+, CEH, or CISSP prep for marketability.
• Job Placement: Look for high employment rates (e.g., SANS Cyber Academy’s 87% placement within 12 months).
• Diversity and Inclusion: Programs like Apprenti and Women in Cybersecurity Veterans’ Apprenticeship support underrepresented groups.

Tips for Applying to Cyber Security Apprenticeships

Landing a cybersecurity apprenticeship requires preparation. Follow these tips to stand out:

• Build IT Skills: Take free courses on Cybrary or prepare for CompTIA A+ to demonstrate tech aptitude.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight transferable skills (e.g., problem-solving from retail) and any IT experience.
• Ace Assessments: Prepare for skill challenges (e.g., Boeing’s technical tests) or video interviews (Accenture).
• Network: Join the NICE Apprenticeship Community of Interest or connect with professionals on LinkedIn.
• Apply Early: Deadlines vary (e.g., ASU’s July 2025 cycle). Check program websites regularly.

Maximize your chances with The Career Accelerators, your trusted partner for breaking into cybersecurity. Our expert coaches offer personalized guidance to refine your applications, nail interviews, and select the best apprenticeship for your goals. Schedule a free discovery call to jumpstart your journey, or dive into our career coaching programs at The Career Accelerators for tailored strategies to secure your ideal role.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity apprenticeships are your ticket to a thriving career. With paid training, industry certifications, and hands-on experience, these programs open doors for high school graduates, veterans, and career switchers alike.

From IBM’s global certificate to DHS’s federal opportunities, the 12 programs listed above cater to diverse goals and backgrounds. Age is no barrier—40-year-olds have successfully transitioned through programs like Apprenti.