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Computer Information Systems

Apprenticeships, Internships and Work Experience

Cabrillo CIS actively works with our local employers to find work-experience and internship opportunities for our CIS students. Also, we are a recipient of a three year California Apprenticeship Initiative implementation grant supporting the establishment of an apprenticeship for the Information Technology Support Specialist and Cyber Security Support Technician occupations.

We also established a pre-apprenticeship program in these fields as an expansion of the established the IT Institute program – a short-duration, 11-week foundational course serving adult and special populations (e.g. Veterans) for IT skill development and developing 21st Century skills (confidence, communication, and change management). By expanding into a pre-apprenticeship, students complete a certificate of achievement while receiving practical, on-the-job experience leading them to a rewarding career. Simultaneously, the employer obtains quality talent in an area traditionally challenging .Since the employer invested in them, they stick around longer


Learn more about Cabrillo's Apprenticeships, Internships, and Work Experience programs.

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Cabrillo College Computer Information Systems Computer Work Desk

What is an Apprenticeship vs Internship vs Work-Experience?

An apprenticeship is a structured, on-the-job learning model with measured learning objectives and documented goals. Cabrillo IT/Cyber apprenticeships are registered with and regulated by the California Department of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) U.S. Department of Labor. They typically consist of at least 2,000 hours of job training accompanied by technical instructional classes defined by employers.

In contrast to internships, which can be unstructured and ongoing, apprenticeships have clear learning outcomes, finite program terms, and a gradual increasing compensation structure. The program results in students with extensive hands-on and technical experience in their industry of interest and well-equipped for working in the field.

Work Experience helps round out your educational experience. Many of our students have participated in apprenticeships, internships and work experience, or found jobs by using Cabrillo’s services.

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Benefits to Student & Employer

Through an apprenticeship program, students can obtain paid, relevant work experience while acquiring the skills and credentials that employers value.

Although there may be some fees associated, our apprenticeship pathways are a tuition-free college education allowing students to get paid for their work - while they gain real-world experience. Rather than ending the program with debt, apprentices have earned a salary as they are trained and are already working in their field of study.

The benefit for the employer is that they get quality talent in an area that is traditionally difficult for direct hires, and because the employer has made an investment in them, they stick around longer.

Student Benefits

  • Earn while you learn

  • Gain credentials

  • Jump start your career

  • Learn relevant skills

  • Degree potential and academic credit

  • Mentorship

  • Tuition Free Apprenticeship Courses

Employer Benefits

  • Address your workforce needs in a competitive region

  • Develop and train up staff according to your specific needs

  • Customize apprentice workflow, outcomes, and pay schedule

  • Increase employee satisfaction and address high turnover

  • Acquire quality talent in an area that is traditionally difficult for direct hire and take an active role in developing a robust, local IT workforce

How to Get Started

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Students

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Employers

  • Determine Hiring / IT needs as a business or organization

  • Contact Terri Oropeza CIS Faculty | Internship and Apprenticeship, (831) 824-4258

  • Post a job at the Cabrillo College Employment & Internship Office. The office works with employers to post job and internship opportunities shared through various modes of outreach as well as directly promoted in the classroom.