Apply Now
Register for Classes
cybersecurity team
CCAP

CA Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program

CA Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program

Cybersecurity is our passion

At Coastline College, we prepare students for cybersecurity and information technology careers through hands-on learning, industry certifications, academic pathways, and opportunities to connect with cybersecurity professionals. Coastline offers certificates and associate degrees in Cybersecurity, AI for Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and related computing fields, with coursework in areas such as cyber defense, networking, ethical hacking, digital forensics, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.

Coastline College has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) since 2014, designated by the National Security Agency through the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program. Coastline continues to expand its cybersecurity education and workforce development efforts through new and evolving curriculum, industry certification preparation, hands-on labs, competitions, professional engagement, and student activities such as the Xploit Cybersecurity Club.

Quick Links

Info for Students
Info for Mentors
Info for Employers

Cybersecurity Mentors

We encourage employer partners in Southern California and cybersecurity mentors to support the program. Employer partners can look forward to providing a work environment for apprentices that are interested in cybersecurity and ongoing learning. Mentors can support the program by providing training in cybersecurity, networking, and soft skills to encourage the apprentices to learn technical skills and be prepared for work in the security environment.

Students

Learn cybersecurity and information technology skills while gaining hands-on experience with a local employer. The apprenticeship program offers separate pathways in cybersecurity and information technology. Courses are fully online, with additional opportunities for hands-on learning in the labs at our Garden Grove campus.

What Students are Saying

"I want to thank you for everything in the Server classes. I passed the certification exam of CompTIA Server Plus with a score of 812. Your class helped me a lot to achieve this goal." -Cesar, Coastline CCAP student
"CCAP provided me with the amazing opportunity of preparing myself for a career in Information Technology, as well as honing the skills needed for a specialized role in Cybersecurity. Additionally, I find it awesome that the courses I've taken also award credits towards transfer/degree!" -Derek, Coastline CCAP student
"I would like to thank CCAP for preparing me with the skills, certifications, and overall support. The CCAP program has changed my life trajectory and I am thankful for being given an opportunity to be part of this wonderful program." -Joseph, Coastline CCAP student

CCAP Cybersecurity Student, Kristie Son

CCAP cybersecurity student, Kristie Son, shares her experiences at Coastline - how the classes, instructors, and flexibilty allowed her to gain new perspective and how speaking to industry professionals gave her an insiders view on cybersecurity.

CCAP Cybersecurity Graduate, Erick Tinoco

CCAP cybersecurity student, Erick Tinoco, shares his experiences at Coastline - how online classes allowed him to coordinate with his work schedule and the program's certification vouchers, responsive staff, and learning environment set him up for success.

Apprentices

Who should apply?

Individuals who have completed high school or an equivalent credential and are interested in building cybersecurity or information technology skills while working in a related role are encouraged to apply to the apprenticeship program. Selected apprentices may receive tuition support, textbook loans, and CompTIA certification exam vouchers while completing their education and gaining valuable on-the-job experience.

Qualifications for the program are noted below.

Info Sessions

Interested in learning more about the apprenticeship program? Information sessions provide an opportunity to learn about the program, ask questions, and explore how an apprenticeship can help you build skills and experience in cybersecurity or information technology.

Information session dates will be announced when applications reopen.

Subscribe To CCAP Updates

Qualifications

  • 17 or older at the beginning of the cohort track
  • High school or GED equivalent
  • A+ certified (both hardware and software)
  • US Citizen/Right to work/Work VISA
  • Coastline student application; completion of the math and English placement exam (or transfer credit of C or better in these courses; this is a Coastline requirement)
  • Application to the program (must be approved)
  • Meet minimum GPA and academic requirements
  • Do not have excessive number of withdrawals from college courses
  • Written application and oral interview
  • Interest in cybersecurity and networking
  • California resident, minimum 1 year
  • Cannot have taken more than 2 courses in the chosen CCAP track (see below for courses).

Requirements

  • Complete 7 to 8 online, hybrid, or in-person courses with a passing grade.
  • Complete all required industry certifications.
  • 2,000 hours paid on-the-job training; approximately 30 hours/week.
  • Attend job readiness and tech workshops as required.

Courses

Below are the courses planned for the cohort tracks. These college credit courses will follow the regular semester calendar at Coastline.

Cybersecurity Pathway
CYBR C101 Introduction to Cybersecurity
IT C128 Computer Networking Principles (Network+)
IT C158 Contemporary Operating Systems (Server+)
CIS C157 Introduction to Python Programming
CYBR C230 Network Security (Security+)
Plus 3 electives
Information Technology Pathway
CYBR C101 Introduction to Cybersecurity
IT C104 IT Fundamentals
IT C128 Computer Networking Principles (Network+)
IT C158 Contemporary Operating Systems (Server+)
IT C198 Cloud Foundations
Plus 3 electives

Possible Employer Qualifications

Knowledge of:
  • Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
  • Typical modern office computer software programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation programs and databases.
  • English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
  • Business mathematics and simple statistics.
  • Principles of record-keeping.
  • Organizational principles and relationships.
Potential Employer List of Abilities
  1. Independently perform assigned duties with speed and accuracy.
  2. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing in an office environment.
  3. Learn and understand all aspects of the assigned unit.
  4. Analyze work papers and reports.
  5. Identify and interpret technical and numerical information.
  6. Observe and problem-solve operational and technical issues.
  7. Effectively operate modern office equipment including computers and related software.
  8. Type accurately on a keyboard at an acceptable rate of speed.
  9. Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
  10. Plan, organize and schedule priorities for assigned tasks.
  11. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  12. Demonstrate and foster acceptance and respect for individual differences.
  13. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  14. Work with a wide variety of personalities, including effectively responding to and resolving technical situations over the phone.
  15. Work in an open work environment, busy office with regular distraction.
  16. Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to drive between locations, as necessary.
  17. Work with a wide variety of personalities, including effectively responding to and resolving technical situations over the phone.
  18. Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to drive between locations, as necessary.
  19. Communicate effectively across business and technical boundaries.
  20. Connect easily with clients and colleagues
Possible Physical Demands and Work Environment
  • Office environment
  • Constant interruptions
  • Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard
  • Perform some repetitive motion activities, including typing on a keyboard for long periods of time
  • Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone
  • Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
  • Seeing to read a variety of materials
  • Bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching to file materials
  • Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally
  • Lifting up to 40 lbs

The Benefits of an Apprenticeship in Cybersecurity

With an apprenticeship you can earn while you learn, become more confident in your skills, and build important work relationships with industry professionals.

Mentors

The idea of developing a mentor/mentee relationship in this apprenticeship program is designed to achieve a key goal of apprenticeship completion of the program. Mentor qualifications include perspective mentors having a number of years of experience in the information technology field with a desire to serve in this role. In a CIO Online article titled "How IT Mentors Can Help Advance Your Tech Career" the author wrote:

Mentors are helpful because, in addition to expertise in their field, they have a network of business professionals and, most importantly, they are willing to share what and who they know. People who mentor are likely to have had mentors at some point who helped them understand their industry better, hone their strengths or sharpen skills.

While it may seem to an observer the mentee seems to get the better part of the deal, the person doing the mentoring gets something out of it, too. He or she can directly impact another person's life for the better. By helping another person succeed, mentors help create a brighter future for all of us, and gain the satisfaction of knowing that they have made a difference in someone's life.

The apprenticeship program is designed, when possible, to incorporate the utilization of the mentor/mentee relationship, particularly in circumstances where the mentor and mentee are working for the same employer. The mentor serves an important role, helping to ensure that the apprentice has the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, extending their mentee’s knowledge beyond that typically taught in a classroom setting.

A key project goal is the development of Mentor/Mentee relationships that will continue beyond the term of the program. Potential mentors are encouraged to identify potential apprentices currently working for their employer. Ideal candidates may include recent hires with a basic understanding of computer hardware and software, but in need of more advanced skills like networking, resource security, and risk analysis.

If you are interested in serving as a mentor, please complete the application and a member of the project team will reach out to you to discuss potential opportunities.

I'm Interested in Serving as a Mentor

Employers

A key concern for many employers when the subject of employee training is brought to the table is both the cost of training and the employer's return on investment (ROI). An unfortunate concern is the possibility that the employee, shortly after completing costly training, will find an opportunity to leave for a better job with higher pay.

Employers may be reluctant to serve as a participant in an apprenticeship program. We have taken a number of steps designed to lessen this reluctance. They include:

  • The costs of training employees, including course fees, textbooks, and the costs associated with the IT related certification exams is being paid out of grant funds, and not by the employer or employee.
  • Courses are being taught in an online modality, providing employees with the opportunity to complete the requisite course work outside of normal work hours.
  • Courses are aligned with the "knowledge units" identified by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (NSA/DHS), as co-sponsors of the Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense – 2 Year (CAE2Y) program (Coastline holds this designation).
  • Courses are aligned with the exam objectives for specific industry recognized certifications that are American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited. Those certifications include:
    • CompTIA Network+, Security+, Linux+, and CySA+
    • EC-Council CEHv9
    • Cisco CCNA
  • The above identified certifications are recognized by the Department of Defense in Directive 8140.01 (replacing but reissuing Directive 8570.01).
  • Employees will receive academic credit for each class, providing the opportunity to extend their educational efforts, obtaining an associate degree with the possibility to continue their goals and obtain higher level degrees through transfer programs available to a number of colleges and universities.

While IT related apprentice programs are not widespread in the United State, they are relatively common in Europe. A recent study by Maryland based TranZed Apprenticeship Services identified a number of factors that support involvement by employers in apprenticeship programs. They include:

  • Apprenticeships Provide Skilled Workers for Your Future
  • Apprenticeships Increase Staff Retention
  • Apprenticeships Increase Your Bottom Line
  • Apprenticeships Result in Increased Productivity
  • Apprentices Can Inspire Your Business

Employers: How To Get Involved

If your organization is interested in participating in this California Community College Chancellor's program, please complete this interest form.

link to interest form

Forms

Contact

General Information
ccap@coastline.edu
(714) 241-6209
Instructional Information
Dr. Brandon Brown
bbrown118@coastline.edu

Related Pages

Specialty Offerings

Artificial Intelligence Center
Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD)
Pace+ Direct Assessment Competency-Based Education
CA Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program
ESL Program
Teacher Prep Pathways

Get In Touch

CCAP Program

Garden Grove Campus
Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm

P: 714.241.6209

E: ccap@coastline.edu