Paid Cybersecurity Training Nearby — earn while you learn (real programs, pay, and how to apply)
This article will explore the details of paid cybersecurity training in the United States:
Paid cybersecurity training opens doors for beginners
Apprenticeships combine work and learning
Earn while gaining industry skills
Apprenticeships lead to long-term jobs
Hands-on training prepares for real-world threats
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.
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 Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Programs
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. 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 positions such as technical support. Its flexible curriculum is suitable for high school graduates and career changers. Want to learn more about working in the cybersecurity field? Visit the Getting Started page to get your tech worker readiness score and begin your career journey.
3.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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1.Do paid cybersecurity training programs really pay during training?
Yes. Most registered cybersecurity apprenticeships and employer-sponsored training programs provide an hourly wage or stipend while participants train.
2.Is a college degree required to apply?
Not always. Many paid cybersecurity apprenticeships focus more on skills, aptitude, and commitment to learning rather than formal degrees. No experience required.
3.Which certifications do these programs usually prepare participants for?
Most paid cybersecurity training programs align with industry-recognized certifications such as:
CompTIA Security+
Cisco CCNA Security
IBM Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Microsoft Security certifications
These credentials help trainees qualify for full-time cybersecurity roles after completion.