CA Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program
At Coastline College we strive to connect students with industry professionals in cybersecurity roles for mentorship and employment. Our program includes certificates and Associate of Science degrees in Cybersecurity and Computer Networking.
In 2014, Coastline College was designated a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE2Y) in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. We have continued the efforts to grow our program through the addition of new courses and a student cybersecurity club called Xploit.
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.
Learn cybersecurity techniques by taking classes while training in a hands-on environment with a local employer. The apprenticeship program offers courses in separate tracks for both cybersecurity and Cisco networking. All courses are fully online with support for hands-on learning in the labs at our Garden Grove campus.
"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, 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 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.
Those that have completed high school (or equivalent) and are seeking cybersecurity training while working in a cybersecurity role should apply for acceptance into the program. Selected applicants will benefit from free tuition, textbook loans, and free CompTIA certification exam vouchers.
Qualifications for the program are noted below.
All interested in learning more about the apprenticeship program are welcome to join one of our information sessions. You will have an opportunity to hear about the program, ask questions, and share your passion for cybersecurity. Come and learn how to become part of the security community and help share what you already know. Bring a friend to one of our sessions.
Information session dates - to be announced when applications re-open.
Below are the courses planned for the cohort tracks. These college credit courses will follow the regular semester calendar at Coastline.
Following are the questions frequently asked by those that are interested in the program. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
Q: When and where are the introductory sessions?
A: Upcoming:
Q: Are there any discount vouchers for students to attempt CompTIA's A+ certification exam?
A: Yes, the discount voucher can be purchased with registration using an edu email address.
High school students may also purchase the discounted vouchers.
Q: Are applicants required to be a US resident in order to qualify for the program?
A: No, but individuals must have the right to work (work visa or citizenship) in order to qualify for the apprenticeship program.
Q: What age must applicants be in order to start the program?
A: Individuals must be 17 or older to qualify for the program.
Q: When do I need to be A+ certified by in order to qualify for the program? (How long before the cohort section begins?
A: Applicants must have passed the A+ certification before day 1 of the cohort
Q: What are the course tracks in this program?
A: The two course tracks available:
Q: How many weeks are the classes?
A: Each college credit course will last either 8 weeks or 16 weeks. Apprentices will study for certification exams after the course end. Courses will follow the regular semester schedule.
Q: What format are the classes?
A: Classes are fully online with support from the on-site lab at our Garden Grove center for those that would like to reinforce their hands-on skills with our Cisco lab equipment. The courses are online with lab support using NetLab.
With an apprenticeship you can earn while you learn, become more confident in your skills, and build important work relationships with industry professionals.
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
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:
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:
If your organization is interested in participating in this California Community College Chancellor's program, please complete this interest form.