Apprenticeships Combine Technical Instruction with On-the-job Training
Apprenticeships offer hands-on learning opportunities to apprentices and an expanded talent pool to employers. Red Rocks Community College (RRCC), in collaboration with Northrop Grumman, has registered a Cybersecurity Apprenticeship as part of the National Apprenticeship System, becoming the first government-recognized cybersecurity apprenticeship in Colorado, and one of only a few in the country. Read our November 2019 Press Release here.
The Cybersecurity Apprenticeship
Red Rocks Community College offers a comprehensive Cybersecurity Apprenticeship with skill development in desktop support, IT, networking or cybersecurity certificates or degrees. Benefits include:
- On-the-job training that provides real-world experience
- A great starting wage (minimum $17.50/hour), including wage progression as you master new skills
- Employer partners that offer job opportunities in a variety of technology fields
- A great work / study program that makes you marketable and provides opportunities in a fulfilling, challenging and well-paid field
When coupled with the on-the-job training and wage progression of an apprenticeship, you have a skilled and credentialed workforce benefiting both students and employers.
Contact us to be added to regular email communications on upcoming events, resources, and helpful announcements about the apprenticeship.
Visit our detailed student page for more specifics on being a Cybersecurity Support Technician and the apprenticeship.
Employer Partners Wanted!
See information below on developing a Cybersecurity Apprenticeship at your company.
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.
Employer Information
Do you want to increase employee retention and loyalty while reducing recruitment and training costs? By establishing an apprenticeship program, your business will develop a diverse and well-trained candidate pipeline to meet your future talent needs.
Apprenticeships are long-term relationships, typically 1 - 4 years, unlike internships which tend to be shorter term and project based. By adding an apprenticeship program to your career development and succession planning pathways, you receive a customized and intentional talent pipeline. Use this tool to Calculate the return on investment you might expect from creating an apprenticeship program for your business and find additional apprenticeship ROI resources here.
Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) is both the sponsor and a related technical instruction (RTI) provider for this program, allowing flexibility in tailoring partnerships to meet individual business needs. The general outline of an apprenticeship contains the following components:
- Related Technical Instruction
- Minimum of 144 hours of related technical instruction (RTI) per year
- Can be front-loaded, segmented, or in parallel with on-the-job training
- On-The-Job Training
- Minimum of 2,000 hours of structured and supervised on-the-job training (OUT)
- Mentoring from experienced professional in the field
- Progressive Wages
- Rewards for skill gains and for reaching identified milestones
- Apprentices receive wage increases and/or promotions
- National Occupational Credential
- Apprentices earn nationally recognized credentials once demonstrating identified competencies
Recognized across industry
Improve Your IT & Networking Employee Pipeline in 3 steps:
- Choose the education pathway for your prospective apprentices
- IT/Desktop Support
- Network & Systems
- Cybersecurity
- Register your company as an employer partner with the Department of Labor (DOL)
- Hire new talent with targeted career development, resulting in increased retention rates!
Certificates and associate’s degrees are available for all 3 tracks. Certificates, associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees now available for Secure Software Development and Cybersecurity
*Employer partners (you) choose an education pathway based on your needs. There are no hiring requirements or employment contracts in excess of CO standards, per the US Department of Labor .
The Red Rocks Community College Cybersecurity Registered Apprenticeship was approved by the US Department of Labor in May 2019. Northrop Grumman was instrumental in developing the apprenticeship program and was also the initial employer partner. Visits to campus, information sessions, workshops and interview events are just some of the opportunities employers have to interact with the RRCC student body as they develop their unique talent pool.
Become an Apprentice – Information for Students
Today, real-world experience is invaluable -- even better if you are compensated for that experience. That's what apprenticeships are all about.
Apprenticeships combine a relevant educational curriculum with on-the-job training to enable students to garner invaluable hands-on experience. Importantly, this experience is accompanied by dedicated journey workers who will guide and mentor you throughout your apprenticeship. And, as you progress, your wages do as well. Lastly, after mastering the pre-defined skillsets, you are granted a federally backed credential that looks great on a resume.
At Red Rocks Community College (RRCC), the Registered Cybersecurity Apprenticeship jump starts that opportunity for anyone with an interest in desktop support, IT, networking or cybersecurity. We have forged relationships with regional employer partners in a variety of fields including defense and aerospace, technology, communications, healthcare, and more.
So what are you waiting for? Build a Secure Future Today. Whether desktop support, IT, networking or security is your interest, the Cybersecurity Apprenticeship is a great way to get started! Contact us for more information.
Today's job market is more competitive than ever. An apprenticeship is the perfect way to transition from education to experience -- and to make you immediately marketable. RRCC works with regional companies to provide paid employment opportunities while still in school that build your skills and experience.
- Related Technical Instruction
- Minimum of 144 hours of related technical instruction (RTI) per year
- Can be front-loaded, segmented, or in parallel with on-the-job training
- On-The-Job Training
- Minimum of 2,000 hours of structured and supervised on-the-job training (OUT)
- Mentoring from experienced professional in the field
- Progressive Wages
- Rewards for skill gains and for reaching identified milestones
- Apprentices receive wage increases and/or promotions
- National Occupational Credential
- Apprentices earn nationally recognized credentials once demonstrating identified competencies
Recognized across industry
Be part of the revolution. Cybersecurity is one of the top 6 fastest growing and highest paying careers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A 350% increase in attacks year-over-year means that companies and organizations need to secure their data, information, and online presence like never before.
Make a difference and secure your future. Our country and the companies and industries that make up our economy need your help. There will be more than 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2021 and, in today's market, that spells opportunity.
Not only are technology jobs in high demand, they are well compensated. Salaries start at $45,000 to $50,000 annually in desktop support and IT entry level jobs to well over $100,000 in more experienced networking and research disciplines related to online security. While we can't guarantee these salaries, they're out there.
Requirements include:
- 18 years of age or older
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Physically able and interested in performing the job duties
- Able to pass a background check
- Demonstrates motivation, ambition, and a willingness to take direction
- Demonstrates trustworthiness
Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map from CyberSeek.org. Colorado is full of opportunity for IT, networking, and cybersecurity jobs. This heat map shows the number of cybersecurity job postings by state. You can filter by "public sector/private sector" and see which certifications are the most requested. The interactive career pathway link shows key jobs and common transitions between them.
The 2020 Robert Half Technology Salary Guide website has plenty of good information right on the site (be sure to scroll down), but you can also give them your name, email address and job title and download the pdf version which contains all kinds of additional information about job hunting, interviewing, and salaries.
Visit Careers in Colorado for Cybersecurity for info on cybersecurity jobs, career paths, salaries and more. In Colorado, cybersecurity pros are paid about 9% more than other IT professionals. Get great Colorado guidance.
Find specific job skills and outlook for Information Security Analysts on O*Net and the Department of Labor website.
Check out some of the following national associations and local groups to explore online learning, live events, webcasts, or deep-dive research. Share your own favorites with us and we'll add them to the list.
Meet people and employers who matter at the Denver Cloud Security Alliance Meetup. Monthly educational and networking sessions are on-going. Check out their website for more info.
The National Cybersecurity Student Association is the nation's largest association of cybersecurity students. Scroll to the bottom if you'd like to sign up for their newsletter and explore around the site to see if it's of interest.
The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) three local chapters: Boulder, Denver, and DTC. They have extensive trainings, networking opportunities, and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) -- a great way to figure out which industry you want to be a part of! They also sponsor RMISC, the largest annual security event in Colorado. Learn more about RMISC 2020 on their website. If you'd like to join, scroll down on the membership page to find the student rate for full-time students.
The Denver Chapter of ISACA is a great resource for early career and career progression through networking, credentialing, and education. ISACA focuses on broader areas of cybersecurity such as IT, auditing, governance, risk management and privacy and offers certs on a broad range of topics. They have information about joining as a student to connect with industry leaders and build a professional network.