Cybersecurity Program & 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 Academy is proud to offer two cost-free cybersecurity training opportunities:

Cybersecurity Program: Open to learners across the United States, this program provides a strong foundation in cybersecurity fundamentals.
Cybersecurity Pre-Apprenticeship/Apprenticeship Program: 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 Academy 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 Cybersecurity Program or Registered Cybersecurity Pre-Apprenticeship Program, 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 Program

(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)

Registered Cybersecurity Pre-Apprenticeship Program

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 Cybersecurity Program welcomes participants nationwide.
The Cybersecurity Pre-Apprenticeship/Apprenticeship Program 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

Quality Assurance (QA) Program

A 6-week course leading to International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB) certification, Aspiritech’s QA Program teaches software testing processes, documentation, and defect management. Graduates are prepared to identify and resolve issues in software before release.

This pathway is a good fit for any neurodivergent learners interested in becoming a QA engineer, software tester or quality control specialist.

When Do Classes Start?

Our pilot cohort kicked off on September 15, 2025!

We also currently have three cohorts planned for 2026:

March 9
July 20
October 19

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 Academy?

Aspiritech Academy’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.

Apply to Aspiritech Academy

Aspiritech Academy offers cost-free, autism-centered career training for neurodivergent adults in high-demand technology fields. Our programs are remote and delivered entirely online.

If you are ready to explore your next step, you can begin the application process now.

Aspiritech Academy Terms & Conditions

Cybersecurity Program & Apprenticeship

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest–growing fields in technology.

What Participants Will Learn