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CA Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program

CA Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program

Cybersecurity is our passion

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.

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 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.

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?

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.

Info Sessions

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.

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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 Track: CYBR C101 - Introduction to Cybersecurity; CST C128 - Computer Networking Principles (Network+); CST C158 - Contemporary Operating Systems (Server+); CIS C157 - Introduction to Python Programming; Plus 3 electives
Information Technology Track: CST C104 - IT Fundamentals; CST C110 Computer Hardware and Software (A+ Essentials); CST C128 - Computer Networking Principles (Network+); CST C158 - Contemporary Operating Systems (Server+); CYBR C101 - Introduction to Cybersecurity; Plus 2 electives
Cloud Computing Track: CST C104 - IT Fundamentals; CST C128 - Computer Networking Principles (Network+); CST C158 - Contemporary Operating Systems (Server+); CYBR C101 - Introduction to Cybersecurity; CST C198 - Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Foundations; CST C295 - Amazon Web Services Architect Associate; CST C296 - Amazon Web Services Cloud Operations Associate; CST C297 - Amazon Web Services Cloud Developer

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

Independently perform assigned duties with speed and accuracy.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing in an office environment.
Learn and understand all aspects of the assigned unit.
Analyze work papers and reports.
Identify and interpret technical and numerical information.
Observe and problem-solve operational and technical issues.
Effectively operate modern office equipment including computers and related software.
Type accurately on a keyboard at an acceptable rate of speed.
Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
Plan, organize and schedule priorities for assigned tasks.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Demonstrate and foster acceptance and respect for individual differences.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
Work with a wide variety of personalities, including effectively responding to and resolving technical situations over the phone.
Work in an open work environment, busy office with regular distraction.
Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to drive between locations, as necessary.
Work with a wide variety of personalities, including effectively responding to and resolving technical situations over the phone.
Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to drive between locations, as necessary.
Communicate effectively across business and technical boundaries.
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

FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

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:
- Information session dates - to be announced when applications re-open.
- Information sessions are to be held at:
  - Coastline College 12901 Euclid St, Room 315 (3rd floor) Garden Grove, CA (map)
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.
- Academic Comptia Store Vouchers
- Xvoucher
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
- It is recommended that individuals complete their certification exam before the application
- Other certifications are not accepted in place of the A+ certification
Q: What are the course tracks in this program?
A: The two course tracks available:
- Cisco Networking
- Cybersecurity
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.

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: