DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. 1260067 Department National Security Agency/Central Security Service
Salary $22,584.00 to $22,584.00 Grade 7 to 9
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/2/2026 Close Date 7/17/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program

Department of Defense
National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Summary

We are excited to launch the inaugural pilot of the Department of War's (DoW) Cyber Apprenticeship Program!

The program, administered by the DoW Office of the Chief Information Officer (DoW CIO), is designed to address the growing demand for skilled cyber professionals within the Department. This 12-month program provides a paid, structured, progressive pathway for individuals seeking to launch or advance their careers in cyber.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Students

Current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college or graduate institution.

Recent graduates

Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Duties

The DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program prepares participants for entry-level cyber positions within the Department aligned to the DoW 8140 which can include, but not limited to:

  • Cyber Defense Analyst (511)
  • Cyber Defense Infrastructure Support Specialist (521)
  • Cyber Defense Incident Responder (531)

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Selected apprentices will complete an electronic questionnaire covering citizenship, residence, and employment history, followed by fingerprinting and a thorough background investigation.

Qualifications

Ideal Candidates & Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must be:

  • Over 18 years of age
  • A United States citizen
  • Able to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

The following are the characteristics of a successful apprentice in the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program:

  • Exhibit a strong work ethic
  • Eager to learn and grow
  • Willingness to be mobile and flexible to a variety of work experiences
  • Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving capabilities
  • Aptitude to learn new and complex material quickly
  • Ability to commit to work within the DoW

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Participation in the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program provides a diverse range of benefits, tailored to both individuals and organizational needs. The following section details these key advantages, emphasizing their mutual contribution:

For Individuals:

  • Earn While You Learn: Offers a paid learning experience.
  • Gain Real-World Experience: Gain hands-on practical application working alongside experienced professionals.
  • Receive Mentorship and Guidance: Work closely with experienced professionals who serve as mentors, providing guidance and support throughout the training process.
  • Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials: Graduate with a valuable certification.
  • Advance Your Cyber Career: Potential for full-time employment after graduation.

For DoW Organizations:

  • Fill Cyber Talent Gaps: Build a pipeline of skilled workers who are specifically trained to meet the organization's needs.
  • Increase Employee Retention: Apprentices are more likely to stay with the company after completing their apprenticeship, reducing employee turnover.
  • Increased Productivity: Apprentices are developed specifically for each work role, enabling faster ramp-up time and increased job readiness compared to traditional hires.
  • Customized Training Programs: Organizations can tailor apprenticeship programs to meet their specific training needs and ensure that apprentices are learning the skills that are most relevant to their organization.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Participation Process

Ready to participate in the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program? The following instructions outline the key steps in the process:

  1. Participating DoW agencies announces apprenticeship opportunities on USAJobs
  2. Prospective participants apply through the published USAJobs announcement
  3. Selected participants will sign an agreement that outlines program expectations and cyber training pathway with appropriate stakeholders
  4. Selected participants will participate in the 12-month DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program featuring comprehensive training, including industry certification, assessments, mentorship, and on-the-job experience
  5. Following program completion, participants will have the opportunity to advance their career in cyber

Required Documents

For program-related questions, please contact osd.mc-alex.dod-cio.mbx.cyber-rap@mail.mil.

The DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program

National Security Agency/Central Security Service

Agency contact information

NSA POC

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at National Security Agency/Central Security Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://dowcio.war.gov/Cyber-Workforce/Cyber-Workforce-Development/Cyber-Apprenticeship-Program/#dnn_ctr154854_dnnTitle_titleLabel


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