FAQ / Support Center
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How is CyberUp Funded?
CyberUp is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. We get funding from three sources: donations, public and private grants, and company sponsorships. Want to get involved? Email info@wecyberup.org for more information.
Where are the candidates located?
Our candidates come from the St. Louis Metro area, including North, South and West County, East St. Louis, St. Charles County, Madison County, and St. Clair County.
How is CyberUp different from a recruiter?
We are not a recruiter or staffing agency, even though those are aspects of what we do; rather, we are a nonprofit committed to closing the cybersecurity skills gap through disruption of the talent pipeline with non-traditional candidates.
What can I do to succeed on the job?
Companies are looking for candidates who have initiative and drive. They want people who can work collaboratively in teams and have a thirst for continual learning.
What if the company doesn’t offer me a job?
If you are not offered the job, there will be other opportunities in the future. We’ll continue to work with you to help you land the next interview.
What kind of companies do you match candidates with?
We work with companies of all sizes, from smaller start-ups like Gadellnet to enterprise-level businesses like Centene.
How long does the apprenticeship last?
If the apprentice works 40 hours a week, then it will take about a year to complete. The apprentice is also required to complete 3 cybersecurity-related tracks of online curriculum outside of work.
I am a college student, can I apply?
We encourage people from all walks of life to apply. We also know that many college students do not get much hands-on experience, so this program can be a natural accompaniment to university studies. We have placed people with Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and people without any university degree.
I live in the US, but I need an H1B Visa Sponsorship. Can I apply?
No. This is not an option for us at this time.
I live outside of the US. Can I apply?
No. Our program is currently only for companies and candidates in the United States.
How do you evaluate candidates?
Each of our candidates goes through an application process, an in-person interview, and a background check before enrolling in our program.
Where are the jobs located?
We currently place people in the St. Louis metro region, including North, South and West County, East St. Louis, St. Charles County, Madison County, and St. Clair County.
Who qualifies for CyberUp’s training program?
Our entrance requirements are 18 years or older, high school diploma or GED, and must be authorized to work in the United States. No other skills are required to join the program. We will upskill those candidates that need IT Fundamentals, and experienced candidates can move straight into placement.
What does the company need to provide the apprentice?
It is very important that the company provide a mentor to help guide the journey through the apprentice’s on-the-job training. This mentor will help with the onboarding process, OTJ training, and serve as a peer.
What is a Cybersecurity Analyst?
A Cybersecurity Analyst monitors computer networks to ensure safeguards are in place to protect sensitive information and proprietary data from cyber criminals.
Would I receive company benefits during the apprenticeship?
Company benefits would vary on each employer. This would be a great question to ask the company during your interview.
What are Registered Apprenticeships?
Registered Apprenticeships are innovative work-based learning and post-secondary earn-and- learn models that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor (or federally recognized State Apprenticeship Agencies).
How is Registered Apprenticeship different from other types of work-based training?
Registered Apprenticeship training is distinguished from other types of workplace training by several factors: (1) participants who are newly hired (or already employed) earn wages from employers during training; (2) programs must meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor (or federally-recognized State Apprenticeship Agencies; (3) programs provide on-the-job learning and job-related technical instruction; (4) on-the-job learning is conducted in the work setting under the direction of one or more of the employer’s personnel; and 5) training results in an industry-recognized credential.
Are all Registered Apprenticeships union-based?
No. Registered Apprenticeship is used widely across all industries and includes union and non-union programs. Registered apprenticeship sponsors include unions, but also employers, community colleges and universities, workforce investment boards, industry associations, and the military.
Do you earn college credit while participating in a Registered Apprenticeship program?
Today, most Registered Apprenticeship opportunities include on-the-job training, and classroom instruction provided by apprenticeship training centers, technical schools, community colleges, and even distance learning. Often Registered Apprenticeship sponsors work directly with community colleges that ultimately provide college credit for apprentice.
What do I receive upon completion of a Registered Apprenticeship program?
After completion of an apprenticeship program, the apprentice earns a nationally recognized credential from the Department of Labor that is portable and stackable. Additionally, an apprentice, along with earning a paycheck throughout the apprenticeship, is also elevated to journeyworker status that leads to increased pay and upward career opportunities. The Cybersecurity Analyst Apprenticeship Program also pays for candidates to earn their industry recognized CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications.
How does a Registered Apprenticeship program benefit the sponsor (employer, Labor Management Organization, or Industry Association)?
First and foremost, Apprenticeship sponsors develop highly skilled employees. Once established, Apprenticeship programs also reduce turnover rates, increase productivity, lower the cost of recruitment, and increase safety in the workplace/job site (from a report from Washington State Workforce Board 2008 Evaluation of Apprenticeship).
Who oversees or “runs” the Registered Apprenticeship system?
The U.S Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship, works in conjunction with State Apprenticeship Agencies to administer the program nationally. These agencies are responsible for registering apprenticeship programs that meet federal and state standards; protecting the safety and welfare of apprentices; issuing nationally recognized and portable Certificates of Completion of Apprenticeship to apprentices; promoting the development of new programs through marketing and technical assistance; assuring that all programs provide high quality training; and assuring that all programs produce skilled and competent workers. In addition, a wide variety of stakeholders exist, including state organizations, industry associations, educational organizations (both secondary and post-secondary), workforce development organizations, economic development organizations, community-based organizations, and others. These stakeholders have a substantial interest in its success of Registered Apprenticeship.
Where is the apprenticeship training located?
The on-the-job learning portion of the apprenticeship program will take place at the company the candidate gets accepted with. The companies apart of this program will be in the St. Louis region. The online portion of the education track could be completed anywhere.
I live outside of the US, can I still apply?
Currently, no. This apprenticeship program is designed for candidates eligible to work in the United States. It is also currently just for candidates living in the St. Louis region.
