Cybersecurity Academy & Apprenticeship
Our newest career training programs open doors to high-demand tech roles, with custom-built instruction for neurodivergent adults.
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in technology.
With demand for skilled professionals at an all-time high, now is the perfect time to acquire the know-how needed for a meaningful career in building a safer world online and beyond.
Aspiritech is proud to offer two cost-free cybersecurity training opportunities:
- Cybersecurity Academy: Open to learners across the United States, this program provides a strong foundation in cybersecurity fundamentals.
- Cybersecurity Apprenticeship: Available to Illinois residents, this hands-on opportunity offers paid on-the-job training alongside classroom learning.
Both programs feature extensive curricula, designed to equip participants with industry-ready skills. Designed with different learning styles in mind, Aspiritech offers autism-centered instruction and a supportive community to guide you on your journey toward cybersecurity expertise.
What Participants Will Learn
Whether you choose the Academy or Apprenticeship, you’ll complete in-depth curriculum of learning modules that include:
- Cybersecurity Threat Landscape
- Malicious Code & Attacks
- Social Engineering & Password Attacks
- Security Assessment & Testing
- Application Security
- Cryptography & Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
- Identity & Access Management (IAM)
- Resilience & Physical Security
- Cloud & Virtualization Security
- Network Security
- Wireless & Mobile Security
- Incident Response & Digital Forensics
- Security Governance & Compliance
- Risk Management & Privacy
- Exam Preparation
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Framework (CMMC)
This curriculum prepares you for real-world roles and the extensive knowledge that employers value.
Group study sessions, study strategies, mock exams, and role application guidance add extra layers of job-readiness as you embark on your cybersecurity career path.
Learning Pathways
Cybersecurity Academy
(Open to All U.S. Residents)
Weeks 1-12
- Curriculum in Comptia Security+ fundamentals
- Unpaid, no cost to participants
- 20–30 hours per week
- Curriculum and training of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification framework
- Unpaid, no cost to participants
- 20-30 hours per week
- Study and facilitation of CompTIA Security+ certification exam
- Unpaid, no cost to participants
- Independent study plus 90-minute proctored exam
4-6 Months
- Ongoing support & job preparation
- Preparing resume
- Mock interviews
- Access to support team
Cybersecurity Apprenticeship
(Open to Illinois Residents Only)
Pre-Apprenticeship Learning
Weeks 1-12
- Curriculum in Comptia Security+ fundamentals
- Unpaid, no cost to participants
- 20–30 hours per week
- Curriculum and training of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification framework
- Unpaid, no cost to participants
- 20-30 hours per week
- Study and facilitation of CompTIA Security+ certification exam
- Unpaid, no cost to participants
- Independent study plus 90-minute proctored exam
Hands-on Apprenticeship with Aspiritech or Partner Organization
6 Months
- Paid on wage schedule starting at $20.55 per hour for entry level and progressing to a final wage of $34.25 per hour.
- 30-40 hours per week depending on placement for 2,000 hours total
Who Can Join?
Participant Eligibility
Both programs are open to neurodivergent adults who are eager to start a career in cybersecurity.
- The Academy welcomes participants nationwide.
- The Apprenticeship is limited to Illinois residents due to state funding requirements.
Recommended Prerequisites
- Candidates should possess:
- Basic IT knowledge and interest
- Foundational networking skills
- Awareness of cybersecurity concepts and interest
- High school graduate or equivalency recommended
- Some programming language knowledge, particularly Python
When Do Classes Start?
Our pilot cohort kicks off on September 15, 2025!
We also currently have two cohorts planned for 2026:
- February 2, 2026
- July 13, 2026
Who Can Join?
Participant Eligibility
Both programs are open to neurodivergent adults who are eager to start a career in cybersecurity.
- The Academy welcomes participants nationwide.
- The Apprenticeship is limited to Illinois residents due to state funding requirements.
Recommended Prerequisites
- Candidates should possess:
- Basic IT knowledge and interest
- Foundational networking skills
- Awareness of cybersecurity concepts and interest
- High school graduate or equivalency recommended
- Some programming language knowledge, particularly Python
When Do Classes Start?
Our pilot cohort kicks off on September 15, 2025!
We also currently have two cohorts planned for 2026:
- February 2, 2026
- July 13, 2026
Why Cybersecurity?
The cybersecurity industry is experiencing explosive growth, creating immense career opportunities. There has never been a better time for neurodivergent learners to pursue a career in cybersecurity:
$262B
Global Market Projection
Projected size by 2030 with 5.94% annual growth
3.5M
Unfilled Global Positions
Anticipated number of cybersecurity positions globally by 2025
750K+
Unfilled U.S. Jobs
Over three-quarters of a million unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the United States
32%
Job Growth Predicted
Expected growth for cybersecurity roles through 2032 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
10K+
Chicago Area Openings
Cybersecurity job openings in the Chicago metropolitan area
$120K
Chicago Average Salary
Average salary for cybersecurity professionals in Chicago
Beyond the numbers, Illinois stands as a significant hub for cybersecurity careers, especially within the finance, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering diverse and dynamic professional pathways.
Why Aspiritech?
Aspiritech’s mission goes beyond traditional training. We are dedicated to empowering autistic professionals by providing exceptional opportunities in the cybersecurity field.
We cultivate an environment where unique strengths are celebrated and fostered, ensuring a path to fulfilling careers.
Aspiritech is committed to creating inclusive opportunities for autistic individuals in cybersecurity.
We provide a supportive work environment designed to accommodate different learning and working styles.
Our program includes dedicated mentorship and guidance throughout the apprenticeship.
We focus on leveraging the unique strengths and passion that autistic professionals bring to cybersecurity.
We aim to build confidence and professional skills within an understanding and nurturing environment.
Our ultimate goal is creating clear pathways to meaningful and successful careers in technology.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your cybersecurity career starts with Aspiritech. Join us as we empower the next generation of neurodivergent tech professionals.
Have questions about our cybersecurity programs, Aspiritech Academy, or your participation eligibility? Reach out to Prerana Madhira, the Cybersecurity Academy Manager, at prerana.madhira@aspiritech.org or fill out this interest form.
Why Choose the Aspiritech Team ?
- 15+ years in software testing
- ISTQB-certified testing professionals
- Third-party assessed and proven security of entrusted customer information
- A full-time team of 100+ testing engineers
- Industry-specific expertise across multiple domains by QA testers who are deeply passionate about user experience
