Recognizing the increasingly significant role of cybersecurity professionalsin protecting our nation and its citizens, this substantial workforce shortage could have damaging ramifications. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 94% of apprentices complete their apprenticeship programs. Importantly, their survey also shows that nine months after their program’s completion, 91% of former apprentices stay on with their companies. Every apprenticeship dollar spent employers may get an average $1.47 back in increased productivity, reduced waste, and greater innovation. With a newly created paid career pathway, apprentices participate in a post-secondary education track designed by Purdue University to train and prepare cybersecurity professionals while they are paid to gain industry experience outside of the classroom. In the Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program, you work for an employer that pays for your education while you gain paid industry experience and training. When you complete the program, you will have earned an associate degree in IT, a Bachelor of Science degree in computer and information science majoring in cybersecurity or a Master of Science in cybersecurity and trusted systems. Additionally, you will have opportunities to sit for various industry-recognized certifications, earn other specialty certificates, and earn a Purdue Leadership Academy certificate—all without accumulating student debt and while earning a paycheck.