This NSF-funded research project explored the viability of cybersecurity apprenticeships for federal agency pipeline support. During the 18-month effort – which ended in December 2020 – a Working Group of 15 federal, academic, and practitioner experts developed a strong dialog and presence in the apprenticeship space. Aided by close ties to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Working Group on Apprenticeships, the project developed a deeper understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the apprenticeship model, and identified key ways to improve the adoption of apprenticeships.

Primary Audience: Federal Cybersecurity human resources and hiring managers.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Apprenticeships
2. What Do Current Apprenticeships Look Like?
3. Current Apprenticeship Footprint
4. Possible Barriers to Federal Adoption
5. Available High-Level Models
6. Engaging the Hiring Manager
7. Aligning Academic and OJT Requirements
8. The Value Proposition
9. Seeding the Way: Pilot Proposals to Agencies
10. Recommendations to NSF
11. National CyberWatch Center Working Group Membership
12. References