We are seeking a motivated Cybersecurity Apprentice to join our team as a Cyber Defense Incident Responder. This comprehensive 2-year apprenticeship program will provide hands-on experience in developing and implementing information security procedures, responding to cyber threats, and protecting digital infrastructure. The apprentice will work directly with our cybersecurity team while gaining practical skills in security monitoring, incident response, and threat analysis.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor network security and respond to incidents
- Assist with security software installation and maintenance
- Support vulnerability assessments and testing activities
- Help document security procedures and compliance requirements
- Provide technical support to users on security and IT related issues
- Learn and apply cybersecurity tools and best practices
Program Structure
Our competency-based program combines 1,645-2,060 hours of on-the-job learning with 161 hours of related instruction across six progressive phases:
Phase 1: Help Desk Fundamentals (Months 1-3)
Build core technical support skills including basic troubleshooting, system administration, and network support.
Phase 2: Security Foundations through Help Desk (Months 4-6)
Apply security perspectives to help desk work, managing endpoint security and implementing security software.
Phase 3: Incident Detection via Help Desk (Months 7-9)
Bridge help desk support and security operations through incident correlation and log analysis.
Phase 4: Incident Response Integration (Months 10-12)
Develop core incident response capabilities with focus on triage and security controls assessment.
Phase 5: Advanced Incident Response (Months 13-14)
Specialize in forensic investigation, vulnerability assessment, and incident coordination.
Phase 6: Advanced Security Implementation (Months 15-16)
Implement comprehensive security measures and develop technical leadership skills.
Our Unique Approach
What sets our program apart is our training philosophy that emphasizes help desk support skills as the foundation for effective incident response. This approach creates well-rounded cybersecurity professionals who understand both the technical and human aspects of security challenges.
Training & Development
- 1:1 Mentorship: Dedicated guidance from experienced cybersecurity professionals
- Weekly mentor-mentee meetings
- Hands-on security labs and simulations
- Industry certification preparation including CompTIA Security+, CompTIA A+, Microsoft 365, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Cloud+
- Project-based learning with quarterly projects
- Self-paced online learning through platforms like LinkedIn Learning and OffSec
- Incident response simulations and tabletop exercises
Qualification
- High school diploma or equivalent (required)
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related field (preferred)
- Basic understanding of computer systems, networks, and cybersecurity principles
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
- Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to commit to a 2-year apprenticeship program
Compensation & Benefits
- Starting salary: $15/hour
- Full benefits package after 90 days including medical, dental, vision, and matching retirement benefits
- Learn while you earn - no student debt or financial barriers
- Flexible work environment
- Paid time off and holidays
- Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
- Truly collaborative work environment
- Frequent free lunches, Fireball Friday, Shuffleboard tournaments, Premium coffee maker with 80+ variations
GI Bill®
STACK Cybersecurity can accept GI Bill® benefits for our registered apprenticeship program. This allows veterans and eligible dependents to use their earned education benefits to launch careers in cybersecurity through our Cyber Defense Incident Responder program.
Veterans enrolled in STACK Cybersecurity's Cyber Defense Incident Responder program may be elgible for:
- A monthly housing allowance (MHA) equivalent to an E-5 with dependents
- Up to $83 per month for books and supplies
- A tax-free stipend while training, in addition to their STACK Cyber wages
