Aquia's Cybersecurity Paid Apprenticeship: Our Approach to the Talent Shortage

The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to soar, creating a significant talent shortage across industries.

As organizations increasingly rely on technology and data, the need for skilled professionals to protect against cyber threats has never been greater.

Recognizing this gap, Aquia has developed an innovative solution: the Aquia Accelerator apprenticeship program.

This paid cybersecurity apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity for individuals to gain hands-on experience and valuable skills in cybersecurity.

By bridging the gap between education and employment, Aquia is helping to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, while providing participants with a pathway to a rewarding career.

Employer Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals

Employer demand for cybersecurity professionals has reached unprecedented levels, outpacing the overall rate of job postings in the U.S. economy. The rapid expansion of the cybersecurity industry is driven by the increasing digitization of businesses and the growing complexity of cyber threats.

According to recent data from CyberSeek™, in partnership with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education at NIST, Lightcast, and CompTIA, there were 769,736 openings for cybersecurity positions or jobs requiring cybersecurity skills in the 12 months ending in September 2022.

This growth in demand is reflected in the fact that nine of the 10 top months for cybersecurity job postings in the past decade occurred in 2022.

As organizations across all sectors prioritize cybersecurity to protect their data and systems, the need for skilled professionals has become paramount.

However, traditional pathways into cybersecurity, such as four-year universities, are not meeting this demand.

This has created a significant gap between the supply of qualified professionals and the demand from employers, highlighting the importance of innovative programs like the Aquia Accelerator apprenticeship.

Our Response to the Talent Shortage

We have responded to the cybersecurity talent shortage with the Aquia Accelerator apprenticeship program, designed to bridge the gap between the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals and the available workforce.

By offering paid apprenticeships, we create pathways for diverse talent to enter cybersecurity.

Our approach recognizes that traditional education pathways may not always be accessible or sufficient to meet the demand for cybersecurity professionals.

Through the Aquia Accelerator program, we are addressing the talent shortage and creating opportunities for individuals to develop the technical skills and industry connections needed to succeed in cybersecurity.

About Aquia Accelerator

The Aquia Accelerator is a six-month paid apprenticeship program that addresses the cybersecurity talent shortage by providing participants with hands-on training, practical experience, and opportunities for professional growth.

The program is designed for individuals who want to enter or advance their careers in cybersecurity.

Aquia offers two tracks within the program: governance risk and compliance (GRC) and cloud infrastructure architect (CIA).

The program's participants have access to real-world delivery examples, cybersecurity training materials, curated courseware, and a dedicated mentor.

Upon completion of the program, participants may be offered the opportunity to transition into a full-time role at Aquia.

The Aquia Accelerator program is open to United States veterans, individuals from underserved communities, and those amid career transitions.

It provides a pathway for participants to develop the technical skills and practical training experience needed to succeed in cybersecurity.

Program Tracks and Structure

The Aquia Accelerator program tracks are each designed to provide participants with specialized skills and knowledge across critical areas of cybersecurity.

The GRC track focuses on governance, risk, and compliance, providing participants an understanding of cybersecurity policies, regulations, and best practices.

Participants in this track will learn how to assess and mitigate cybersecurity risks, develop compliance strategies, and implement governance frameworks.

The CIA track focuses on cloud infrastructure architecture, preparing participants to design, implement, and manage secure cloud environments, starting with AWS.

Participants in this track will learn about cloud security principles, best practices, and technologies, gaining hands-on experience with cloud infrastructure tools and platforms.

Both tracks include mentorship, self-paced learning,, and on-the-job training to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity concepts and practices.

Opportunities After Completion

After completing the Aquia Accelerator program, participants may be offered the opportunity to transition into a full-time role at Aquia.

This transition is based on performance during the apprenticeship and the availability of positions within the company.

These positions align with their track specialization.

Additionally, the skills and experience gained through the Aquia Accelerator program prepare participants for various cybersecurity-related occupations.

The program's graduates are equipped with the technical skills and industry knowledge needed to pursue careers in areas such as network security, information security, and cybersecurity analysis.

The program also provides participants with valuable certifications and qualifications recognized in cybersecurity, enhancing their employability and advancement opportunities.

Application Process

The program is open to United States veterans, individuals from underserved communities, and career-transitioning individuals.

Candidates must submit a resume and a cover letter.

Once applications are received, we conduct a thorough review process to select candidates for the program. This process may include interviews and assessments to evaluate candidates' technical aptitude, motivation, and fit for the program.

We are currently operating on a waitlist and are not accepting any additional applications for the Aquia Accelerator program at this time.