You have discipline, know how to work under pressure and can pay attention to detail. Now, consider putting your skills to work defending the VA networks that serve millions of Veterans.
Apply for and join VA’s Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program for Veterans. Check out this short video to learn more. See recent graduates and hear directly from VA leaders about why they’re committed to training Veterans in cybersecurity.
The inaugural class of the Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program for Veterans (CAPV) completed its program in August 2026. VA is now preparing to open its next class in fiscal year 2027 (FY27), giving more Veterans a paid, structured path into cybersecurity.
The program provides honorably discharged United States Veterans who have a technical background with a structured pathway to a career in federal cybersecurity. This is a paid, 2.5-year Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship that prepares participants for roles as Cyber Defense Analysts.
Why this matters to you
Federal networks face constant threats. VA’s apprenticeship program turns your military discipline and mission focus into real cybersecurity skills. You don’t need a cybersecurity background to apply.
What makes this program different
This isn’t classroom theory. You train hands-on at the VA Cybersecurity Operations Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia, working alongside experienced professionals. You rotate through real teams, including reporting, technical services, incident response, vulnerability scanning and threat intelligence.
One graduate compared it to visiting nine islands on a cruise. You see how each part of the mission works before you find where you fit best.
You won’t sit on the sidelines. Program leaders assign you real tasks and treat you as a full team member from day one. Cybersecurity leaders say mentoring apprentices has re-energized even their most experienced staff and sharpened the whole team’s performance.
What you get
- A paid 2.5-year apprenticeship, starting at the GS-9 level
- In-person training and mentorship in Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Two and a half years of structured training, including hands-on assignments, formal technical instruction, one-on-one mentoring and skills assessments
- Preparation for a career as a Cyber Defense Analyst
- Career progression from GS-9 to GS-11 to GS-12 upon successful completion
Who can apply
You must be an honorably discharged United States Veteran and have served in a technical occupational series. VA does not require a cybersecurity background. You train from the ground up. The program is highly competitive and has limited space available.
How to get started
Application information for the FY27 class is available on Careers in IT. The new program is scheduled to start in January 2027.
Your service gave you the foundation. VA’s cyber apprenticeship gives you a new mission.
Learn more about career opportunities with VA’s Office of Information and Technology: Careers in IT.
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Awesome interaction with an intelligent, witty and very knowledgeable young lady! Thanks
This program sounds great! All of your questions for this opportunity can be found at this web address. https://www.usajobs.gov/job/885323200
Good luck!
I’m a retired Navy veteran living in Michigan. I have a 4 year degree in Electronic Art. I’m a professional Photographer and Videographer, and I love working with computers. I’m interested in Digital Forensics, Audio/Video Forensics, Multimedia Evidence Handling.
Does the VA have any job training programs in these fields? Is there any online training that could help me break in these fields?
I’m somewhat interested in Cyber Security, but I want to specialize in media focused forensics.
What if I’m a veteran with IT experience, but not through the military? Id there an age limit?
The links to apply are broken
Salvador
Be sure you are using a chrome based browser
The links to apply are broken. How can i apply ?
Exciting! This sounds like an opportunity
I would have loved to have been out there during my younger years. I hope this program lasts well into the future. Best to all that that make the decision to join and get into this exciting field. God Bless America!!
Being a 100 percent disabled veteran as well as a veteran with an MBA in IS and a son that has a BS in IT can I pass any of my earned benefits down to my son? Being that I suffer from 5 different cancers and I am 73 years old?
I don’t know what’s in WV worth uprooting veteran’s lives (w/ families) (esp for GS-9), but most veterans with cyber training across all branches and looking for a future in cyber are found in the Fort Meade, MD area…
something i think i could consider
I’m trying to access the links, but the links are broken or lead to 404s
Denelly,
Be sure you are using a Chrome based browser. The link works
My question is, why is there always openings for individuals that are already competitive in the field? Why is it so difficult to offer GS-9 or felon friendly opportunities to allow individuals actually struggling and will have more to gain and feel committed towards?
Our Current Commander and Chief is a convicted with multiple felonies yet those who had a rough patch just sit here twiddling their thumbs? Why are there ZERO opportunites for felons?
Hello. If I was to take this course, how would this work for my family while training there in VA for 2 1/2 years? Would this be considered a relocation or will I have to make my own accommodations with my family? I know it was stated that applicants will start off at the GS-9 level.
This program has nothing to do with being a veteran and “Turn your military experience into a paid, federal, cybersecurity career”, at all.”” Prior federal civilian OPM technical occupational series experience.”.
That is the “eligibility qualifier for “Who can actually apply for this program. “They program is not “for Veterans”. Its’ focus is retraining to rehire people with a OPM technical series background history regardless of military experience and dishonestly uses Veteran status an advertising tactic to do it.
What is considered a targeted, technical military job specialty code?
Any where else for in person training besides VA?
So a Veteran that is 100% P&T is disqualified even if they worked in IT in the civilian sector after getting out?
I’m a 69 year old 20 year retired USAF military, on SSA, on VA, and receiving a pension from the state of Florida. At 69 years old can I qualify for this program? Or is it only for the younger generation of today? Would it affect my taxes and VA status? Sincerely, Mr. Angelo Retired Military
This program appears limited to Veterans with technical MOS backgrounds. I am interested in cybersecurity careers but served in a non-technical role. Are there other VA training programs available to Veterans with non-technical backgrounds?
Nice so anyone that that was combat arms cannot apply for this, even if they have a degree in cyber security….
Apply and see if they turn you down. You won’t know if you don’t apply.
Technically you can still apply and see what happens right? The worse thing that could happen is, well, not pick you! Give it a try!
Comm’N , BR OTHER@# UGOTTHISS…..i Don’t know everything, …but I know you could have this if you set your mind to its goal…. I believe ya’ could, Sincerely StF have a good’n.