Red Rocks Community College Announces Cybersecurity Registered Apprenticeship Program

First government-recognized cybersecurity apprenticeship program in Colorado

Red Rocks Community College, in collaboration with Northrop Grumman, recently registered a cybersecurity apprenticeship with the United States Department of Labor as part of the national apprenticeship system, becoming the first government-recognized cybersecurity apprenticeship program in Colorado.  Registered Apprenticeships are a proven workforce development strategy that offer hands-on learning opportunities to apprentices and an expanded talent pool to employers.  The cybersecurity apprenticeship combines technical instruction with on-the-job learning in the unique “earn and learn” environment. Students will complete the apprenticeship program with college credit leading to several certificates and an associate’s degree, as well as nationally recognized credentials.

“Red Rocks has been extremely fortunate to have such a strong partner like Northrop Grumman to embark on the journey of building the registered apprenticeship in cybersecurity,” said Melissa English, RRCC Experiential Learning Coordinator.  “Northrop Grumman is truly committed to growing a talented workforce and working with Red Rocks to recruit and retain apprentices to meet the ever-changing needs of the cybersecurity workforce.”

“The partnership with Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) will provide students with the critical skills needed in today’s cybersecurity workforce,” said Bonnie Zuckerman, manager of organizational development at Northrop Grumman.  Through our work with RRCC, we have been able to connect with students early in the learning process, and demonstrate how internships and apprenticeships can lead to technical careers. This partnership provides a win-win for both RRCC and Northrop Grumman,” said Zuckerman.

RRCC also received a $75,000 grant through the Colorado First & Existing Industry Customized Job Training Program, administered by the Colorado Community College System and the Office of Economic Development & International Trade to support the expansion of the cybersecurity apprenticeship program.   

About the cybersecurity program

Red Rocks Community College offers a comprehensive Cyber Security program. Both cybersecurity specialist degree and certificates provide instruction in computing systems and networks that have an important impact on data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The program introduces students to computer network threats and the appropriate incident response, to include defenses, countermeasures, and computer forensics. Students are exposed to scenarios reflecting the legal and ethical issues associated with information security. Extensive hands-on labs build practical experience in configuring a variety of network operating systems, firewalls, virtual private networks (VPN), packet filters and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to maximize information security in the network.

More about Red Rocks Community College:  Established in 1969, Red Rocks Community College delivers high-quality, affordable education programs leading to two-year degrees or professional certificates. The college serves over 13,000 students per year online and at campus locations in Lakewood and Arvada.  www.rrcc.edu.