How to Find a Paid Cybersecurity Apprenticeship (Even With No Experience)

As cyberattacks grow in frequency and complexity, organizations across the globe are scrambling to build stronger defenses. But the talent shortage is real—and that’s where paid cybersecurity apprenticeships come in.

These programs are designed to bridge the skills gap. Instead of requiring years of prior experience or a degree in computer science, apprenticeships let you learn while you earn. Over the course of 6 to 12 months, participants receive real-world training, certification support, and mentorship from seasoned professionals—all while collecting a paycheck.

It’s a proven pathway into high-demand roles like security analyst, SOC engineer, or penetration tester.

Where to Find Paid Cybersecurity Apprenticeships

You won’t always find these roles on the front page of job boards—but they’re out there. Here are some of the best places to look:

1. Community Colleges & Public Workforce Programs

Programs like the one run by the Coast Community College District in California offer structured cybersecurity apprenticeships with pay ranging from $16 to $23.93 per hour depending on skill tier. These programs are ideal for new entrants who want to combine academic learning with industry placement.

2. Corporate & Vendor-Sponsored Programs

Big names like IBM, Microsoft, and Accenture all operate cybersecurity apprenticeship tracks for early-career candidates. Some, like CyberDefenses and Boeing, partner with nonprofits to run cohort-based programs with classroom training plus hands-on work.

You can often find these through Career Karma’s apprenticeship guide or directly on each company’s careers page.

3. Government-Backed Apprenticeships

In the UK, agencies like GCHQ offer paid cybersecurity degree apprenticeships that combine full-time employment with formal academic qualifications. Entry-level apprentices typically earn around £22,000 per year, with guaranteed progression upon completion.

4. Apprenticeship Job Boards

Try searching Apprenticeship.gov (U.S.), Indeed, and ZipRecruiter using terms like:

“cybersecurity apprentice”
“information security apprenticeship”
“entry-level SOC apprenticeship”

What You Can Expect to Earn

Cybersecurity apprenticeships offer a wide range of compensation depending on who’s sponsoring the program, your location, and your previous experience. Here’s a general snapshot:

Role Type	Typical Pay Range
Community College Apprenticeship	$16–$23.93/hr
Corporate/Entry-Level Apprentice	$63–$64/hr (~$132K/year average)
Vendor-Led Apprenticeship (e.g., Boeing)	$18–$24/hr or ~$45K/year (source)
Post-Apprenticeship Cybersecurity Roles	$80K–$120K+ (source)

Even at the low end, these programs provide a liveable wage while offering real career growth. And upon completion, many apprentices convert into full-time roles at significantly higher salaries.

What You'll Learn (and Do)

Cybersecurity apprenticeships aren’t just shadowing gigs. You’ll typically:

Work in a Security Operations Center (SOC)
Learn networking fundamentals and cloud security tools
Get hands-on with SIEM tools, firewalls, and endpoint protection
Train for certifications like CompTIA Security+, Network+, or even CEH
Respond to simulated and real incidents under expert supervision

Most programs also build soft skills like report writing, teamwork, and alert triage—all essential for long-term success in cybersecurity.

How to Stand Out as a Candidate

Competition is growing, but the best apprenticeship programs look for potential—not perfection. Here’s how to boost your odds:

Get a Head Start on Certs: CompTIA Security+ or even Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate (via Coursera) can show initiative.
Build a Basic Lab at Home: Set up a virtual environment with tools like Wireshark, Kali Linux, and Splunk to showcase your interest.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Problem-solving, systems thinking, and curiosity are all highly valued—even if you’re switching from another industry.
Stay Informed: Following threat reports and cybersecurity news helps you speak the language during interviews.

The Bottom Line

Cybersecurity apprenticeships offer a rare blend of training, income, and opportunity. Whether you’re just entering the workforce or looking to pivot into tech, these programs provide a foot in the door—and often, a fast track to six-figure roles.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start searching, start applying, and start learning. Your future in cybersecurity could begin with a paid apprenticeship today.