Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Programs: Employment Outcomes and Employer Satisfaction
APA Citation
O'Brien, K. & Agarwal, S. (2024). Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Programs: Employment Outcomes and Employer Satisfaction. *Computers & Security*. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2024.103945
View original paper →What Did This Cybersecurity Research Find?
This cybersecurity apprenticeship study evaluated outcomes from 30 registered apprenticeship programs across the U.S. and U.K., tracking 1,500 apprentices for two years post-completion. Cybersecurity apprentices achieved 89% employment rates within three months of program completion, and employers rated apprentice job readiness at 4.2 out of 5.0, higher than the 3.5 rating given to recent university graduates.
Key Findings
- 1Cybersecurity apprentices achieved 89% employment within three months of completion
- 2Employer-rated job readiness: 4.2/5.0 for apprentices versus 3.5/5.0 for recent graduates
- 3Apprentice retention at the sponsoring employer was 78% at the two-year mark
- 4Programs with dedicated mentors produced 22% higher employer satisfaction scores
- 5Average apprentice starting salary was 92% of entry-level hire salary at the same organization
How Does This Apply to Cybersecurity Careers?
Career entrants without a four-year degree can evaluate apprenticeships as a viable pathway. Employers considering apprenticeship programs can see the return on investment relative to traditional hiring.
Who Should Read This?
entry level · management
Frequently Asked Questions
What did this cybersecurity research find?
This cybersecurity apprenticeship study evaluated outcomes from 30 registered apprenticeship programs across the U.S. and U.K., tracking 1,500 apprentices for two years post-completion. Cybersecurity apprentices achieved 89% employment rates within three months of program completion, and employers rated apprentice job readiness at 4.2 out of 5.0, higher than the 3.5 rating given to recent university graduates.
How is this research relevant to cybersecurity careers?
Career entrants without a four-year degree can evaluate apprenticeships as a viable pathway. Employers considering apprenticeship programs can see the return on investment relative to traditional hiring.
Where was this cybersecurity research published?
This study was published in Computers & Security in 2024. The DOI is 10.1016/j.cose.2024.103945. Access the original paper through the publisher link above.
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Research summaries are editorial interpretations of publicly available academic and industry publications. DecipherU is not affiliated with the authors or publishers cited. Verify each referenced study directly before relying on it for career or hiring decisions.
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