Thank you for your interest in the Department of War (DoW) Cyber Apprenticeship Program! We appreciate the incredible enthusiasm for the inaugural program pilot. Due to a high volume of inquiries in our program mailbox, individual response times may be delayed. The link to the USAJOBS apprenticeship job announcement will be posted here on the program webpage once the application opens. We expect applications to open no later than 30 June.

Cyber Apprenticeship Program

The DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program

We are excited to launch the inaugural pilot of the Department of War’s (DoW) Cyber Apprenticeship Program!

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The program, administered by the DoW Office of the Chief Information Officer (DoW CIO), is designed to address the growing demand for skilled cyber professionals within the Department. This 12-month program provides a paid, structured, progressive pathway for individuals seeking to launch or advance their careers in cyber.

Through a blend of asynchronous online learning, interactive labs, mentorship, and on-the-job training participants will gain practical skills in areas such as security operations, network defense, ethical hacking, and the application of artificial intelligence to cyber threat analysis. This equips the Department employees with industry-recognized certifications and practical experience, ready to contribute immediately.

Join the Mission

Positions Covered

The DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program prepares participants for entry-level cyber positions within the Department aligned to the DoW 8140 which can include, but not limited to:

  • Cyber Defense Analyst (511)
  • Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist (521)
  • Cyber Defense Incident Responder (531)

Participation Benefits

Participation in the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program provides a diverse range of benefits, tailored to both individuals and organizational needs. The following section details these key advantages, emphasizing their mutual contribution:

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For Individuals:

  • Earn While You Learn: Offers a paid learning experience.
  • Gain Real-World Experience: Gain hands-on practical application working alongside experienced professionals.
  • Receive Mentorship and Guidance: Work closely with experienced professionals who serve as mentors, providing guidance and support throughout the training process.
  • Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials: Graduate with a valuable certification.
  • Advance Your Cyber Career: Potential for full-time employment after graduation.

For DoW Organizations:

  • Fill Cyber Talent Gaps: Build a pipeline of skilled workers who are specifically trained to meet the organization's needs.
  • Increase Employee Retention: Apprentices are more likely to stay with the company after completing their apprenticeship, reducing employee turnover.
  • Increased Productivity: Apprentices are developed specifically for each work role, enabling faster ramp-up time and increased job readiness compared to traditional hires.
  • Customized Training Programs: Organizations can tailor apprenticeship programs to meet their specific training needs and ensure that apprentices are learning the skills that are most relevant to their organization.

Ideal Candidates & Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must be:

  • Over 18 years of age
  • A United States citizen
  • Able to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

The following are the characteristics of a successful apprentice in the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program:

  • Exhibit a strong work ethic
  • Eager to learn and grow
  • Willingness to be mobile and flexible to a variety of work experiences
  • Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving capabilities
  • Aptitude to learn new and complex material quickly
  • Ability to commit to work within the DoW

Participation Process

Ready to participate in the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program? The following instructions outline the key steps in the process:

  1. Participating DoW agencies announces apprenticeship opportunities on USAJobs
  2. Prospective participants apply through the published USAJobs announcement
  3. Selected participants will sign an agreement that outlines program expectations and cyber training pathway with appropriate stakeholders
  4. Selected participants will participate in the 12-month DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program featuring comprehensive training, including industry certification, assessments, mentorship, and on-the-job experience
  5. Following program completion, participants will have the opportunity to advance their career in cyber

Available Opportunities

Don’t miss your opportunity! – join our mailing list by emailing osd.mc-alex.dod-cio.mbx.cyber-rap@mail.mil and be the first to know when applications open in June 2026.

Questions

For program-related questions, please contact osd.mc-alex.dod-cio.mbx.cyber-rap@mail.mil.

Frequently Asked Questions