Turning Curiosity into Confidence: Jessica Hewitt’s Apprenticeship Success Story

Jessica Hewitt’s path into cybersecurity started with a problem at home: removing viruses from computers after her children downloaded gaming modifications and clicked unsafe links.

As Jessica learned how to remove the viruses and trace where they came from, she realized how much she enjoyed the problem-solving process. That experience sparked her interest in pursuing cybersecurity as a career.

“I liked fixing what was going on and trying to get rid of the source,” Jessica said.

That curiosity led Jessica to online cybersecurity courses and technical labs, but learning on her own was often frustrating. When instructions skipped steps or labs did not work, she had no one to turn to for specific guidance.

After Hiring Our Heroes introduced her to CyberUp, Jessica saw LevelUp as the structured, supportive learning environment she had been looking for.

Finding the Right Learning Environment 

After learning some cybersecurity on her own, Jessica was unsure what to expect from a group-based program. But LevelUp quickly gave her something independent courses could not: people she could turn to when she got stuck.

Instead of searching online for answers, she could ask questions in real time, work through challenges with her classmates, and receive direct guidance from instructors Kyle and Eddie.

“I could talk to the group and have a teacher there to say, ‘This isn’t working. I’m not quite understanding this,’” Jessica said.

That support helped make difficult material feel more manageable. Her classmates brought encouragement and humor to the experience, while her husband helped at home so she could stay focused during demanding weeks. Together, that support system gave Jessica the confidence to keep moving forward.

Working Through the Difficult Parts 

As Jessica moved deeper into the program, some topics came more easily than others. Policies were especially challenging, and she worried about whether she would remember the material when it was time to take the certification exam.

Rather than moving on and leaving students to work through those gaps alone, instructor Kyle built review into the learning process. Interactive quizzes and group activities gave Jessica and her classmates opportunities to revisit difficult concepts, identify what they were still struggling with, and practice until the material began to make sense.

“We would review what we couldn’t remember the week before and focus on what we were struggling with,” Jessica said. “That really helped make things click.”

Over time, the repetition and direct feedback began to change how Jessica saw herself as a learner. She became more comfortable answering questions, more willing to work through unfamiliar material, and more confident in what she knew. What had once felt overwhelming became manageable with the right instruction, practice, and support.

Putting Her Skills to the Test

As Jessica prepared to move from training into the workforce, mock interviews became one of the most challenging parts of LevelUp. She worried about what employers would expect her to know and whether she could communicate her skills confidently under pressure.

The mock interview practice gave her a chance to work through those fears before facing a real hiring team. That preparation was put to the test when she interviewed for a cybersecurity apprenticeship with a local employer.

The interview included nearly an hour of technical questions. Jessica left convinced that she had not done well, but the hiring team saw something she had not yet fully recognized in herself: the knowledge, preparation, and potential to succeed in the role.

She was selected for the apprenticeship, giving her the opportunity to apply what she had learned through LevelUp in a professional environment.

“I’m excited to actually put everything that I’ve learned through the program and the different labs into practice,” she said.

Recognizing How Far She Has Come

Through LevelUp, Jessica earned her CompTIA Security+ certification, built professional connections, and gained greater confidence in her ability to succeed in cybersecurity.

Before the program, she often questioned whether she truly understood the material. Now, she feels more secure in her knowledge and better prepared to answer technical questions, communicate what she has learned, and continue developing her skills.

Jessica is especially interested in vulnerability management, but she is also eager to explore other areas of cybersecurity and gain a clearer understanding of where her interests and strengths may lead.

When asked what the version of herself from before LevelUp would think about where she is today, Jessica said:

“Two thumbs up. Way to go! You actually did it.”

Her experience also taught her that struggling with unfamiliar material does not mean someone is incapable of succeeding.

“It’s okay to allow yourself to struggle,” Jessica said.

She encourages others to keep going when they encounter something they do not understand and to seek support from the instructors, mentors, and peers around them.

A New Chapter Begins 

Jessica’s journey shows what can happen when curiosity is supported by structured training, dedicated instructors, and a community willing to help. What began with troubleshooting computers at home grew into the knowledge, confidence, and opportunity she needed to begin building a career in cybersecurity.

Congratulations, Jessica! We’re proud to have been part of your journey from curiosity to confidence and excited to see you put your skills into practice as you begin your cybersecurity apprenticeship.

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 Ready to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce?

If you're an employer looking for driven, hands-on cybersecurity talent like Jessica, CyberUp’s Apprenticeship Program can connect you with candidates who are trained, motivated, and ready to contribute on day one.

 

From Career Changer to Cybersecurity Apprentice: Louis Sinn's Cybersecurity Journey

A Career Path Built on Curiosity

Before CyberUp, Louis Sinn was already developing the skills cybersecurity demands. He had worked in retail management, earned a master’s degree in business finance, spent time in financial advising, and taught himself programming while exploring what came next.

His career path had not followed a straight line, but every step gave him something valuable: business knowledge, problem-solving experience, discipline, and the ability to keep learning when the path ahead was unclear.

Cybersecurity started to feel like the right fit because it matched the way Louis already thought.

“I’ve always loved a game or a challenge,” Louis said. “And I love puzzles.” But for Louis, cybersecurity was not just about solving technical problems. It was about protecting people. He saw how scams, data breaches, social engineering, and cyber threats had become part of everyday life, and he wanted to help change that.

Finding the Right Bridge

When Louis moved back to St. Louis, he began looking for a way to turn his interest and self-taught technical skills into a real career opportunity. Traditional job searching was not getting him where he wanted to go. Then he found CyberUp.

At first, Louis wondered if the opportunity was real. CyberUp seemed to offer exactly what had been missing from his job search: structure, support, and a connection to the cybersecurity industry.

“They sound like they’re offering a lot,” Louis said. “Then I realized it was a nonprofit.”

For Louis, that made the opportunity feel different. CyberUp was not just offering training. It was built to help people connect their potential to real career pathways.

Building Skills, Context, and Confidence

Through CyberUp’s LevelUp Training, Louis gained more than preparation for cybersecurity concepts. He gained real-world context. Before the program, he had mostly thought about cybersecurity from a technical standpoint. LevelUp helped him understand what businesses are actually dealing with, which threats are affecting organizations, where to find reliable information, and how technical knowledge connects to practical workplace needs.

Louis already had the curiosity and technical drive. CyberUp helped him strengthen the professional tools around it, including his resume, interview readiness, and confidence speaking with industry professionals. He credits resume support as one of the most valuable parts of the experience.

“I wasn’t getting any interviews anywhere,” Louis said. “It was nice to have someone sit down and really talk through all the finer points of it.”

The mock interview experience also made a lasting impact. Louis said the volunteers took the process seriously, and the experience helped him build connections with real industry professionals. It gave him a clearer sense of what employers were looking for and helped him feel more prepared for future conversations.

For Louis, CyberUp’s support came from many directions. Instructors helped break down technical concepts, industry professionals brought real-world examples into the classroom, and classmates challenged each other through discussion, review, and hands-on practice.

That mix mattered. Louis was not just memorizing information for a certification exam. He was learning how to think through problems, explain what he was seeing, and apply the material in ways that felt connected to real cybersecurity work.

“There were all these different approaches,” Louis said. “We got hands-on practice, so every type of learning was covered.”

Continuing the Journey

Now, Louis is continuing his cybersecurity journey through an apprenticeship opportunity and staying connected to CyberUp by volunteering with PowerUp, where he helps introduce younger students to cybersecurity and online safety.

His advice for anyone considering cybersecurity is to stay curious, keep learning, and give yourself permission to pursue a path that may not look traditional. For Louis, the first step was not having every answer. It was being willing to keep going until the right opportunity came into focus.

“You may not know whether cybersecurity is the right fit until you try it,” Louis said. “It’s a broad field, and there may be a path in it that matches your strengths.”

Cybersecurity Talent Comes From Many Paths

Louis’ story is a reminder that cybersecurity talent is not limited to one background, one degree, or one traditional path. CyberUp graduates often come from other industries with years of professional experience already behind them. They have led teams, served customers, solved problems under pressure, managed responsibilities, and learned how to adapt.

CyberUp helps them connect that experience to cybersecurity, build the technical skills employers need, and move into opportunities where their full background becomes part of their value.

Congratulations, Louis. We are proud to have been part of your journey and look forward to seeing the impact you continue to make in cybersecurity and in the CyberUp community.

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 Ready to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce?

If you're an employer looking for driven, hands-on cybersecurity talent like Louis, CyberUp’s Apprenticeship Program can connect you with candidates who are trained, motivated, and ready to contribute on day one.

 

Thinking About a Career in Cybersecurity?

If you’re curious about cybersecurity but don’t yet have your CompTIA Security+ certification, CyberUp’s LevelUp Training program might be the perfect place to start. We provide accessible, self-paced training to help you earn your certification and prepare for apprenticeship opportunities.

 

 

Leveraging Communication and Persistence: Jacob Fulgham's Apprenticeship Journey

When Jacob Fulgham began his cybersecurity journey, he was part of one of CyberUp’s final self-paced training cohorts before the program transitioned to its current instructor-led format. The self-paced classes required a lot of discipline and time management to complete, but Jacob was up for the challenge. With a background in help desk support and a strong interest in building a long-term career in cybersecurity, Jacob was drawn to the field for its problem-solving nature, stability, and opportunities for specialization. He was specifically drawn to CyberUp’s training class for the flexibility it allowed him to work a full-time job while also studying for his CompTIA Security+ certification.

From the beginning, Jacob approached his career with intention. He maintained consistent communication with CyberUp staff, actively seeking opportunities and preparing himself for the next step. His persistence and willingness to advocate for himself set the tone for his success early on.

Learning Through Hands-On Experience  

During his apprenticeship with a managed IT company, Jacob expanded his technical skill set while gaining exposure to a variety of responsibilities. Working in a smaller organization allowed him to contribute across multiple areas, from supporting cybersecurity operations to improving documentation and system processes.

His ability to adapt and take initiative became one of his strongest assets. Rather than waiting for direction, Jacob leaned into challenges, using each experience as a chance to grow. This mindset allowed him to continuously build knowledge while making meaningful contributions to his team.

Overcoming Challenges Through Communication and Persistence

Like many entry-level cybersecurity professionals, Jacob faced challenges as he navigated evolving responsibilities and worked to define his role more clearly. What set him apart was how he handled those challenges.

He remained proactive in communicating with both his employer and CyberUp staff, ensuring he stayed aligned and continued progressing. In addition, he dedicated months to preparing for interviews, refining his skills, and building confidence.

“Communication is key. Keeping that communication open helped resolve a lot of things and allowed me to understand my role better.”

This combination of persistence, preparation, and communication played a critical role in his development and eventual success.

Building Toward the Future

Throughout his apprenticeship, Jacob stayed focused on long-term growth. He worked toward additional certifications like CompTIA’s CySA+ certification while strengthening his technical foundation and exploring different areas within cybersecurity.

His hands-on experience helped him identify a growing interest in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) roles. By the later stages of the program, he had developed a clear understanding of how his strengths aligned with this path.

His contributions focused on improving systems, strengthening documentation, and supporting secure, efficient operations. Work that has added lasting value to his organization.

Advice for Future Apprentices

Jacob’s journey highlights the importance of taking ownership of your path. His advice to future apprentices reflects the mindset that helped him succeed:

"Keep your initial goals in mind. This is your breakout role, and whatever you get out of it is beneficial. Lean into the experience.”

He emphasizes the importance of staying engaged, continuously learning, and actively pursuing opportunities rather than waiting for them.

Jacob’s story is a strong example of how self-advocacy, persistence, and preparation can open doors in cybersecurity. By staying committed and proactive, he was able to turn opportunity into a clear career direction.

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At CyberUp, we believe strong pathways into cybersecurity careers are built through opportunity, persistence, and support. Jacob’s journey demonstrates how initiative and continuous learning can create lasting career momentum.

Congratulations, Jacob. Your dedication, persistence, and commitment to growth have set a strong foundation for your future in cybersecurity, and we’re proud to have you in the CyberUp community.

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Ready to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce?

If you're an employer looking for driven, hands-on cybersecurity talent like Sean, CyberUp’s Apprenticeship Program can connect you with candidates who are trained, motivated, and ready to contribute on day one.

 

Thinking About a Career in Cybersecurity?

If you’re curious about cybersecurity but don’t yet have your CompTIA Security+ certification, CyberUp’s LevelUp Training program might be the perfect place to start. We provide accessible, self-paced training to help you earn your certification and prepare for apprenticeship opportunities.

 

 

Finding His Pace in Cybersecurity: Sean Boyd's Apprenticeship Journey

When Sean Boyd started his apprenticeship with CyberUp, he was stepping into a brand new
arena. He came in with experience supporting teams in radio sales but wanted to apply his
skills in a space that was fast moving and full of possibility. Cybersecurity gave him that
chance. Over twelve months, he learned new tools, earned certifications, and discovered
what kind of learner he really is.

That year was not just about checking boxes or getting through assignments. It was about
learning how he works best when the pressure is on. Sean figured out his own learning style,
where he feels confident, and where he still wants to grow. Along the way, he moved from
apprentice to full time team member, proof that his steady effort was paying off.

Discovering His Strengths in a New Field

Sean’s biggest milestones are easy to name. He received a full-time offer and earned two
professional certifications during his apprenticeship. Those achievements showed him that
he could adapt to a new field and still perform at a high level. They also gave him
momentum to keep improving his skills over time.

He spent much of his apprenticeship working on cybersecurity projects that required both
structure and creativity. One effort involved the NHI project, where he helped document
processes and create training materials. He also worked on standard operating procedures
for his team’s site, making sure information was clear and easy to follow. These tasks tapped
into his strengths as a communicator and organizer.

Sean has always enjoyed jobs where every day brings something new. Cybersecurity
delivered that in a big way. He liked that the work kept him on his toes and required constant
learning. The variety of projects made it clear that there are always new ways to provide
value, which fits his passion for learning and problem solving.

Learning New Tools and Building New Habits

One of the hardest parts of Sean’s apprenticeship was adapting to new systems and
software. Tools like ServiceNow were brand new to him. At first, simply figuring out how to
navigate the platform and complete tasks felt like a big hurdle. Instead of getting
discouraged, he set aside time to explore the tool, test things out, and learn how it all fit
together.

Later in the program, he took on a project documenting the Azure onboarding process for
his company. His job was to lay out clear steps using templates and examples from earlier
work. He was still getting into the rhythm of the project, but he found it rewarding to reach
that point and contribute to something that would help others. Outside that effort, his daily
tasks included team building activities and organizing internal documentation so his
coworkers could find what they needed.

Studying for exams was another ongoing challenge. Sean worked through material for RTI
and another job-related test, using both books and videos to learn from different angles.
Practice tests helped the information stick and showed him where he needed to focus. Time,
not interest, was the biggest barrier, so he knew he needed better habits to keep moving
forward.

To balance studying with life outside of work, Sean leaned on planners and calendars. He
used both physical and digital tools to track deadlines, study blocks, and personal priorities.
That structure helped him manage his schedule instead of feeling controlled by it. It also
gave him a sense of control when project demands and learning goals were competing for
his time.

Staying informed about what is happening in cybersecurity became part of his routine as
well. Sean subscribed to daily newsletters like the Daily Buzz and checked updates on his
company’s homepage. He talked with friends in the field and used LinkedIn to follow
industry news. Stories about scams and phishing attacks reminded him that the work he was
learning to do had a real impact on people’s lives.

Confidence, Community, and a Future in Cybersecurity

As the months went by, Sean’s growth was not only technical. He became more engaged
with coworkers and more comfortable collaborating across the team. His days involved
supporting others, organizing information, and taking part in team building. That steady
involvement helped him build relationships and find his voice in group settings.

CyberUp played a strong role in his development. Regular check-ins with Syanne created a
space to talk honestly about progress, goals, and challenges. The program helped boost his
confidence and showed him that there are always opportunities to grow if you are willing to
put in the work. When he needed resources or guidance for exams, CyberUp was there to
help.

Over time, Sean’s ideas about his career path in cybersecurity started to shift. At first, he was
interested in threat detection. As he learned more about the field, he found himself drawn
toward cybersecurity sales, where he could combine technical understanding with his
background in supporting clients. The idea of helping organizations choose the right security
products, like threat protection tools, fit both his skills and interests.

Through it all, a few themes stand out in how Sean approaches his work:

• He takes a steady, “slow and sure” approach to learning.

• He uses structure, like planners and calendars, to balance life and career.

• He seeks out news and conversations to stay current in the field.

• He values clear communication and documentation that help entire teams succeed.

Looking back, Sean names self-confidence and perseverance as the most valuable lessons
from his apprenticeship. He learned to trust his ability to figure things out, even when the
tools or tasks were unfamiliar. He also learned that progress is not about racing other people.
It is about staying focused on your own goals and moving forward at a pace you can sustain.

His advice to new apprentices is simple but powerful. Take a deep breath and remember that
it is a journey, not a race. There will be moments that feel overwhelming, but you do not need
to compare yourself to anyone else. If you stay focused on learning, ask for help when you
need it, and keep going even when things are hard, your progress will add up. Sean’s story
shows that with that mindset, an apprenticeship can be the first step into a long and
meaningful career in cybersecurity.

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At CyberUp, we believe the cybersecurity workforce grows stronger when people are given the chance to learn, contribute, and grow into leaders. Sean’s journey shows what can happen when you take a deep breath and remember it's a journey and not a race. 

Congratulations, Sean. We’re proud to have you in the CyberUp community and look forward to seeing where your career takes you next.

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Ready to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce?

If you're an employer looking for driven, hands-on cybersecurity talent like Sean, CyberUp’s Apprenticeship Program can connect you with candidates who are trained, motivated, and ready to contribute on day one.

 

Thinking About a Career in Cybersecurity?

If you’re curious about cybersecurity but don’t yet have your CompTIA Security+ certification, CyberUp’s LevelUp Training program might be the perfect place to start. We provide accessible, self-paced training to help you earn your certification and prepare for apprenticeship opportunities.

 

 

From Service to Cybersecurity: Vermele Martinez's Apprenticeship Journey at Centene

When Vermele Martinez started her cybersecurity apprenticeship at Centene through CyberUp, she was not just changing jobs. She was changing careers, routines, and even how she saw herself. A former leader in the military and a busy parent, she stepped into a new field where she was the learner again. Her journey shows what is possible when humility, hard work, and the right support come together.

Finding a New Mission in Cybersecurity

Before cybersecurity, Vermele’s life was shaped by a military career that required frequent moves and constant adjustment. That lifestyle made it hard to build a steady civilian career, especially while raising children and often carrying the load at home. When she found CyberUp and the Transition Assistance program, it felt like a new mission that fit her skills and determination. The apprenticeship at Centene gave her a structured way to enter cybersecurity with real work, real expectations, and real support.

Working remotely for Centene, Vermele discovered that a virtual office can still feel like a team. Her boss checked in regularly and held one-on-one meetings that helped her stay engaged and informed. Knowledgeable teammates were willing to share information, answer questions, and explain complex topics. That supportive work environment turned what could have been an intimidating transition into a blessing she was grateful for every day. One of her proudest moments was successfully completing a major project and receiving positive feedback from her leaders. That experience reinforced that she did belong in cybersecurity and that her effort was paying off.

Learning to Lead by Following

In her previous career, Vermele was used to being the one in charge. Stepping into an apprentice role required a shift in mindset. She talked about the importance of understanding where you stand on the “totem pole,” based on your knowledge and experience. Instead of seeing that as a downgrade, she treated it as a chance to learn the game before trying to call the plays. That humility became one of her biggest strengths.

Her standout success during the apprenticeship was leading the preparation for a quarterly business review. It was a big responsibility for someone new to the company and the field. To do it well, she listened closely, asked clear questions, and relied on the guidance of her team. The experience taught her that you can lead even while you are still learning, as long as you respect the expertise around you.

At the same time, she was growing as a Cloud Security engineer. Gaining technical proficiency did not happen overnight. She spent time in meetings as a quiet observer, almost like a fly on the wall, just absorbing how more experienced professionals talked about security. She stayed informed on cybersecurity trends through those meetings, through certification requirements, and through conversations with her husband, who also works in IT. All of that helped her connect theory to real situations.

Building Skills One Certification at a Time

Behind the scenes, Vermele was balancing work, family, and intense study. She was working on practice tests for her RTI exam and did not feel comfortable with her scores yet. Syanne, her CyberUp contact, estimated she was about 80 percent of the way there and reminded her that the last stretch often comes during the practice test phase. Time management was a real challenge because she was juggling children, a full workday, and the responsibilities of everyday life.

To keep growing, Vermele turned to training tools like Pluralsight, where she focused on AWS and Azure. She worked toward certifications, including Cloud+, RTI, and AWS Cloud Practitioner. CyberUp made sure she knew about discounted certifications available to alumni and how to access them through the alumni portal. Vermele and Syanne also talked about the importance of feeling truly ready before using a voucher or taking an exam, so she would not have to worry about paying for retakes.

Through that process, Vermele learned one of her biggest lessons. With hard work and a commitment to learning, you can do far more than you ever imagined. She saw that technical skills are not magic. They are built one lab, one video, and one practice test at a time. That realization gave her confidence to keep pushing, even on the tired nights after her kids went to bed.

Looking Ahead and Giving Back

Life did not slow down while Vermele was in her apprenticeship. She managed the realities of being, in practice, a single parent much of the time while her husband worked in another part of the state. She stayed up late to work on her own projects and study, often sacrificing sleep for a better future. When she and her family got Covid twice, with the first case lasting months, it would have been easy to step back. Instead, she kept moving forward, which earned genuine respect from Syanne, who often praised her strength and resilience.

As she settled into her role at Centene, Vermele grew more curious about the technical experts around her. She admired the architects at her company, especially the way they designed services and explained complex network interactions so clearly. That curiosity is shaping her next steps, as she considers how to deepen her technical skills and maybe move into more advanced roles in the future.

Vermele is not finished with CyberUp just because her apprenticeship wrapped up. She wants to stay involved as a mentor or speaker and share her story with new apprentices who are thinking about a career change. Her advice to them is simple and powerful. Go for it and embrace new opportunities, because you really can do anything with hard work and learning. She plans to keep studying through Pluralsight, pursue certifications like AWS Cloud Practitioner, stay humble in every new role, and reach back to help the next group of apprentices find their own path.

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At CyberUp, we believe the cybersecurity industry should reflect the world we live in—diverse, driven, and filled with people like Vermele who bring new perspectives and a hunger to learn. Her story is a powerful reminder to go for new opportunities, because you really can do anything with hard work and learning.

Congratulations, Vermele. We're proud to have you in our alumni community and can’t wait to see where your path leads next.

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Ready to Build a Stronger Cybersecurity Workforce?

If you're an employer looking for driven, hands-on cybersecurity talent like Vermele, CyberUp’s Apprenticeship Program can connect you with candidates who are trained, motivated, and ready to contribute on day one.

 

Thinking About a Career in Cybersecurity?

If you’re curious about cybersecurity but don’t yet have your CompTIA Security+ certification, CyberUp’s LevelUp Training program might be the perfect place to start. We provide accessible, self-paced training to help you earn your certification and prepare for apprenticeship opportunities.