Network Security Apprenticeships: Programs, Jobs, and Salary

Apprenticeships are a formal training method to prepare interested high school or college graduates for lucrative job opportunities in the corporate world. Apprenticeships can quickly accelerate your career in network security. Many available network security apprenticeship programs are available online, but it can be challenging to know where to start your search.

One of the best things about an apprenticeship opportunity in network security is that you get to earn while you learn. You can also complete degree programs sponsored by your apprenticeship provider while in the program. 

With how in-demand network and cyber security careers are, an apprenticeship program is a way to enter the field. It will equip you with the on-the-job training you need to stand out. Whether you’re interested in an in-person or virtual program, we’ve compiled all the information you need to know about network security apprenticeships.

What Is a Network Security Apprenticeship?

A network security apprenticeship is a paid formal training program that allows you to gain technical skills, relevant qualifications, and practical experience. As part of college coursework requirements or for professional development, you will gain skills in network access management security, cyber threats, security monitoring, penetration testing, and information protection. 

What Does a Network Security Apprentice Do?

Network security apprentices learn from industry experts to identify potential cyber security threats and implement security strategies to limit external network access. They learn to assess security risk levels and design security solutions to compromise network systems and software. They perform penetration testing to fight against viruses, malware, and malicious hackers.

Some programs help network security apprentices prepare for certification exams through prep courses, delivered through classroom learning and hands-on projects. As part of their training, they learn to quickly respond to any security incident to prevent data loss. They learn market-led cloud security procedures that can help them to secure in-demand cyber security roles.

Network Security Apprenticeship Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for network/cyber security apprentices in the United States is $97,497. This number will differ depending on the location, program level, job type, and company. Although most apprenticeships offer a guarantee of salary payment, not all companies pay apprentices.

Network Security Apprenticeship Requirements

Each apprenticeship provider, whether it’s a company, institution, or individual employer, has a unique set of eligibility requirements for this hands-on trade program. Generally, to participate in network or cyber security apprenticeships, you should have a high school diploma and a passion to build a successful career in the field of network security and information technology.

Most apprenticeship programs might require that you have some work experience in networking or information security. Others might reserve their apprenticeship positions for college or coding bootcamp graduates who want to specialize in the field of cyber security. Applicants should also possess excellent communication, problem-solving, and critical analysis skills. 

Types of Network Security Apprenticeships

A network security apprenticeship can help you explore several security-related career paths. Some apprenticeships prioritize one aspect of computer security over others, such as cyber security, information security, or network security. However, they all prepare you to respond in real-time to security attacks. Here are a few network security apprenticeship roles to consider.

Information Security Officer

Information security officers monitor the performance of IT systems and applications to prevent and respond to security threats and system malfunction to prevent information compromise. They contribute to developing IT systems usage protocols and incident response procedures. They research and recommend appropriate security software that companies can adopt. 

In some organizations, information security officers oversee information risk management, especially in information system risks identification and observations, and communicate discoveries to appropriate teams. They contribute to corporate decisions relating to the development and upgrade of its security policies and procedures. 

Network Security Engineer

Network security engineers design network security systems and uphold technical infrastructure for companies. They prevent external attempts to compromise communication networks, including hacking, malware, and cyber attacks. They maintain an influential security culture by conducting periodic systems testing and configurations. 

Network security engineers identify and analyze network vulnerabilities and design security features to protect network infrastructure. Network security engineers also troubleshoot network issues to ensure the reliability of networks and connectivities. They help define the network security needs of clients so they can offer customized services.

Network Architect 

Network architects design and maintain communication networks and cloud infrastructures such as intranets, land area networks (LAN), and wide area networks (WAN). They are concerned with the performance and reliability of computer networks across platforms and servers and troubleshoot network issues when the need arises.

They collaborate with other networking professionals to define and analyze a company’s networking needs and design and implement network security strategies. They also monitor an organization’s hardware and software performance and implement upgrade features or replacements when the need arises.

Cyber Security Engineer

Cyber security involves identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in information and network systems and software. They conduct penetration testing to determine security weaknesses to prevent all forms of security compromise. They perform real-time incident responses to fight against unethical hacking, malware, and other forms of cyber crimes. 

Cyber security engineers ensure uninterrupted business operations by implementing security strategies to notify and tackle network and system security breaches. They employ their skills in digital forensics to detect intrusions and design network solutions. To become a cyber security engineer, you need to understand how to use cyberspace to your advantage. 

IT Security Specialist

IT security specialists utilize their knowledge of cyber security and networking to implement system security measures. They maintain the security of databases and information technologies. They monitor systems performance and research security measures to improve performance. They also offer security recommendations to the management of an organization.

IT security specialists install, configure, test, and update security software to prevent attacks, including firewalls and data transmission encryption. They protect sensitive data files from unauthorized access and compromise through password authentications, security awareness alarms, and periodic backups. 

Network Security Apprenticeship Jobs

There are several benefits of network security apprenticeships. These formal training programs ensure you gain professional exposure, technical expertise, relevant qualifications, and financial security by simply participating in one. Enrolling in any of the apprenticeships listed below will help you acquire the network security skills you need to build a successful career.

CyberDefenses SOC Analyst Apprenticeship Program

If you wish to become a security operations center (SOC) analyst, this is the right apprenticeship for you. This program ensures that you gain relevant training in networking, security, and systems administration so you can effectively combat cyber security threats. 

You’ll first go through hands-on training and simulations before embarking on the actual job training. At the end of the program, you will gain multiple industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security, Certified Ethical Hacker, and CompTIA A+. You’ll work alongside skilled experts in the cyber security field and gain job placement assistance.

Microsoft Cybersecurity Engineer Apprenticeship 

The Microsoft Cybersecurity engineer apprenticeship trains candidates who can protect the Microsoft systems from threats. As a Microsoft Cybersecurity apprentice, you’ll learn to build secure computer systems. Apprentices conduct security assessments and penetration testing to detect vulnerabilities and implement secure network solutions.

This Microsoft apprenticeship prioritizes applicants who graduated from cyber security bootcamps, community colleges, or university programs. Those with more than two years of work experience in network security or any field are ideal candidates for this role. You should also have communication, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.

Lockheed Martin Cybersecurity Apprenticeship

Lockheed Martin offers a range of apprenticeships in engineering, cyber security, and software development. You’ll earn while improving your knowledge as a cyber security professional. There are well-structured mentoring and training programs to help you groom a successful career. 

Lockheed Martin collaborates with several training partners in the United States to provide apprentices with education and practical competence. Lockheed Martin apprentices receive impressive salary packages and benefits, as well as a flexible program schedule so they can maintain a healthy work/life balance.

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ManTech Network/Cybersecurity Apprenticeship 

ManTech offers professional training to apprentices. They receive industrial competencies, college tuition coverage, and prestige from pursuing successful careers in cyber security through the Purdue University Training Partnership.

Once accepted into the program, apprentices receive salary compensation that grows as performance improves. They also receive a college degree after completing the program. They have the chance to receive professional certifications to boost their careers. These certifications include CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and CompTIA Cloud+.

Zurich Network/Cybersecurity Apprenticeship 

Zurich offers a two-year program in cyber security to train experts who can skillfully address cyber security threats. They’ll receive real-world experiences and a chance to work with experts in the field. They’ll learn the processes involved in incident response, security threat defense and intelligence, application security, and vulnerability management.

With its education training provider, Harper College, Zurich prepares students for six CompTIA certifications, including CompTIA Security, CompTIA Server, and CompTIA Cybersecurity analyst. Cyber security apprentices will also receive business and insurance training alongside the insurance apprentices.

How to Get a Network Security Apprenticeship

You could take several pathways to acquire the training you need to secure impressive network security apprenticeships. These pathways can help you build your foundational technical competence in network security and give you the confidence you need when applying for IT apprenticeships.

Bootcamps

Network security bootcamps are a great way to kickstart your network security career. Bootcamps offer focused courses and training to get you up to speed with the latest trends and technologies in network security. You’ll participate in classroom learning and real-life projects to learn the most effective ethical hacking strategies and network security solutions processes. 

Network security bootcamps also offer career services such as interview preparation, portfolio optimization, and career counseling to graduates. Some even help their students secure high-paying jobs with major companies. Most apprenticeship providers emphasize recruiting coding bootcamp graduates because of the rounded training they’ve received.  

Internships

Internships are ideal ways to prepare for specialized apprenticeship programs. Internships are short-term on-the-job training given to students or trainees as part of a coursework requirement to enable them to gain real-time job experience and relevant qualifications. Having an internship in a prestigious company can improve your chances of securing good apprenticeships.

Some apprenticeships favor candidates who have some sort of on-the-job training. Candidates who previously participated in internships will find it easier to blend into corporate environments than those who don’t. They’ll also have a clearer vision of their ideal career path.

Trade Schools

Trade schools are informal training programs that prepare participants for technical careers in a specific field. The hands-on training offered by trade schools helps them secure entry-level roles in the industry. 

These graduates often turned to apprenticeships to help them build their professional recognition and competence. Today, they are considered ideal candidates to some companies for technology apprenticeships. Some companies offer formal apprenticeship programs solely for trade school graduates to transform them into corporate professionals in that field. 

Vocational Training

Vocational training is a focused training program that exposes students to particular job-related courses for specific roles. They don’t cover other academic courses outside of the career of interest. At the end of the program, they receive diplomas, certificates, or associate degrees to secure entry-level roles in that field.

Vocational school graduates can be considered ideal corporate apprenticeship candidates. Most apprenticeships seek applicants with quantifiable job experience and technical exposure, and vocational school graduates often fit this description. As a result, graduates from vocational school are set up with specific skills to enter their determined career path.

College

College graduates are usually ideal candidates for prestigious apprenticeships because of theoretical competence and technical expertise acquired from a degree. Network security graduates will find it easy to blend into apprenticeships in this niche because of their level of familiarity and industry qualifications. 

Some apprenticeships typically employ college degree graduates, often with higher compensation rates. College graduates may find it easier to adapt to the formal learning patterns peculiar to corporate apprenticeships. They will also find it easier to network and climb the corporate ladder because of the knowledge advantage over other candidates. 

Is a Network Security Apprenticeship Worth It?

Yes, a network security apprenticeship is worth it. This type of apprenticeship will prepare you for diverse computer networking and security careers. A networking apprenticeship allows you to build industry credibility and professional exposure. You can easily become a network security specialist because of an apprenticeship. 

Network Security Apprenticeship FAQ