Free Career Resource · Cybersecurity
The Federal Cyber Apprenticeship Program: a paid path into cybersecurity
The U.S. federal government is piloting a 12-month, paid apprenticeship that helps people launch a career in cybersecurity. You earn while you learn, train alongside experienced professionals, and walk away with industry-recognized certifications. Applications are expected to open June 2026.
What the program offers
- A paid, 12-month structured program. You earn while you learn.
- A blend of online learning, hands-on labs, mentorship, and real on-the-job training.
- Practical skills in security operations, network defense, ethical hacking, and applying AI to cyber threat analysis.
- Industry-recognized certifications you keep.
- A potential path to full-time federal employment after graduation.
Who can apply
To be eligible, you must:
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Be a United States citizen.
- Be able to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
Beyond the requirements, the program looks for people who bring:
- A strong work ethic
- Eagerness to learn and grow
- Willingness to be flexible across a variety of work experiences
- Analytical and problem-solving ability
- An aptitude for picking up new, complex material quickly
The roles it prepares you for
Apprentices train for entry-level cyber positions aligned to the Department’s cyber workforce framework (DoW 8140), including:
Cyber Defense Analyst
Monitors networks and systems, investigates alerts, and helps stop threats before they spread.
Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist
Keeps the defensive tools and infrastructure running so analysts and responders can do their jobs.
Cyber Defense Incident Responder
Responds when something goes wrong: contains the incident, limits damage, and helps the team recover.
How to apply
- 1Watch the official program page and join its mailing list so you hear when applications open.
- 2Applications are expected to open June 2026.
- 3Participating Department agencies post the apprenticeship roles on USAJobs.
- 4Apply through USAJobs, the official federal hiring site.
- 5Selected apprentices sign a participation agreement and complete the 12-month program.
A quick, honest note.
Norvet MSP is an independent, veteran-owned Georgia technology company. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a contractor for the U.S. Department of War or the U.S. government, and we do not run or administer this apprenticeship. This page is a free informational resource. For official details and to apply, use the Department’s official program page and USAJobs.
Common questions
What is the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program?
It is the inaugural pilot of a 12-month, paid apprenticeship run by the U.S. Department of War Office of the Chief Information Officer (DoW CIO). It is built to give people a structured, progressive way to launch or advance a career in cybersecurity through online learning, labs, mentorship, and on-the-job training.
Is it paid?
Yes. The program is designed so apprentices earn a wage while they learn, rather than paying tuition. It also leads to industry-recognized certifications and the potential for full-time employment afterward.
Who can apply?
You must be over 18, a United States citizen, and able to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. The program looks for strong work ethic, curiosity, flexibility, and the ability to learn complex material quickly more than a specific background.
When do applications open and where do I apply?
Applications are expected to open in June 2026. Participating Department agencies post the roles on USAJobs (usajobs.gov), the official federal hiring site, and you apply there. Joining the official program mailing list is the best way to be notified.
Is this the same as the Department of Defense?
It is the same federal defense department. The official program page uses the name U.S. Department of War (DoW). If you have known it as the Department of Defense (DoD), this is that department’s cyber workforce program.
Is this a Norvet MSP program?
No. Norvet MSP is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a contractor for the U.S. Department of War, and we do not run or administer this apprenticeship. We are a veteran-owned Georgia cybersecurity company sharing it as a free career resource. Always apply through the official program page and USAJobs.
Why we share this
We are a veteran-owned Georgia cybersecurity firm, and we want to see more people, especially veterans and folks from communities that are underrepresented in tech, break into cyber. If this is your path, go for it. If you run a business and want a partner who cares about that mission, we are here too.