Aquia's Cybersecurity Paid Apprenticeship
The cybersecurity job market presents a complex and often contradictory picture. While some reports suggest a significant talent shortage, the reality is more nuanced. Some studies, like the ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, report millions of unfilled cybersecurity positions globally. However, many experienced cybersecurity professionals struggle to find roles, even with relevant credentials and experience.
According to CyberSeek™, there were 769,736 openings for cybersecurity positions or jobs requiring cybersecurity skills in the 12 months ending in September 2022. Yet, this doesn't always translate to easy job placement for candidates. A few potential reasons are:
Changing Skill Requirements: The cybersecurity field is rapidly evolving, with increasing emphasis on cloud technologies, DevOps practices, and business acumen alongside traditional security skills.
Budget Constraints: Many organizations are facing tighter budgets, leading to more conservative hiring practices and a focus on consolidating roles and technologies.
Hiring Challenges: Job postings often have unrealistic requirements, even for entry-level positions, creating barriers for new entrants to the field.
In response to these complex market dynamics, innovative approaches to talent development and acquisition are crucial. The Aquia Accelerator apprenticeship program aims to bridge the gap between traditional education and the evolving needs of employers, providing a practical pathway into the cybersecurity field.
Our approach recognizes that traditional education pathways may not always be accessible or sufficient to meet the demand for cybersecurity professionals.
Through the Aquia Accelerator program, we are addressing the talent shortage and creating opportunities for individuals to develop the technical skills and industry connections needed to succeed in cybersecurity.
About Aquia Accelerator
The Aquia Accelerator is a six-month paid apprenticeship program that addresses the cybersecurity talent shortage by providing participants with hands-on training, practical experience, and opportunities for professional growth. The program is designed for individuals who want to enter the field of cybersecurity.
Aquia offers two tracks within the program: governance risk and compliance (GRC) and cloud infrastructure architect (CIA). The program's participants have access to real-world delivery examples, cybersecurity training materials, curated courseware, and a dedicated mentor. Upon completion of the program, participants may be offered the opportunity to transition into a full-time role at Aquia.
The Aquia Accelerator program is open to United States veterans, individuals from underserved communities, and those amid career transitions.
Program Tracks and Structure
The Aquia Accelerator program tracks are each designed to provide participants with specialized skills and knowledge across critical areas of cybersecurity.
The GRC track focuses on governance, risk, and compliance, providing participants an understanding of cybersecurity policies, regulations, and best practices. Participants in this track will learn how to assess and mitigate cybersecurity risks, develop compliance strategies, and implement governance frameworks.
The CIA track focuses on cloud infrastructure architecture, preparing participants to design, implement, and manage secure cloud environments, starting with AWS. Participants in this track will learn about cloud security principles, best practices, and technologies, gaining hands-on experience with cloud infrastructure tools and platforms.
Both tracks include mentorship, self-paced learning,, and on-the-job training to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity concepts and practices.
Opportunities After Completion
After completing the Aquia Accelerator program, participants may be offered the opportunity to transition into a full-time role at Aquia. This transition is based on performance during the apprenticeship and the availability of positions within the company. These positions align with their track specialization.
Additionally, the skills and experience gained through the Aquia Accelerator program prepare participants for various cybersecurity-related occupations.
The program's graduates are equipped with the technical skills and industry knowledge needed to pursue careers in areas such as network security, information security, and cybersecurity analysis. The program also provides participants with valuable certifications and qualifications recognized in cybersecurity, enhancing their employability and advancement opportunities.
Application Process
The program is open to United States veterans, individuals from underserved communities, and career-transitioning individuals. Candidates must submit a resume and a cover letter.
Once applications are received, we conduct a thorough review process to select candidates for the program. This process may include interviews and assessments to evaluate candidates' technical aptitude, motivation, and fit for the program.
We are currently operating on a waitlist and are not accepting any additional applications for the Aquia Accelerator program at this time.