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United Youth of America Inc UYOA

Cyber Security Support Technician, IT Technician, Network Specialist, AI Specialist

Apprenticeship All branchesDefense Industrial BaseNational Security
Visit uyoa.org Email the program

Website provided by the program.

At a glance

Open to
All branches
Format
Online
Length
Duration not listed
Locations
Online
Career field
Computer and Mathematical, Education, Training, and Library

About the program

Certified Penetration Tester (Remote Internship)Position Title: Certified Penetration Tester – Remote Cybersecurity InternshipDuration: 3–6 MonthsLocation: Remote (U.S.-based Veterans or Transitioning Service Members)Compensation: Government-funded (GI Bill / DoD SkillBridge)Supervisor: Cybersecurity Engineering Team LeadReports To: Director of Cybersecurity OperationsThis hands-on remote internship is designed for aspiring cybersecurity professionals togain real-world experience in penetration testing, ethical hacking, and red team tactics. Theinternship forms part of the United Youth of America, Inc. (UYOA) CybersecurityApprenticeship Program, which is approved under the GI Bill and the DoD SkillBridgeProgram.As a Certified Penetration Tester Intern, you will work under the supervision of industryexperts, participate in simulated cyberattacks, and help assess vulnerabilities in enterprise-level IT systems. Interns will gain extensive exposure to tools, tactics, and procedures(TTPs) used by both ethical hackers and adversaries, contributing to security postureimprovement for client systems.

Jobs this program prepares you for

Certified Penetration Tester (Remote Internship)Key Responsibilities• Perform active reconnaissance, vulnerability scans, and attack simulations in lab andproduction-like environments.• Assist with penetration testing engagements, including internal, external, web application,and wireless assessments.• Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges and team-based red teaming operations.• Develop technical reports, including documentation of vulnerabilities, risk severity,remediation suggestions, and threat modeling.• Use MITRE ATT&CK, NIST SP 800-115, and OWASP frameworks for structured assessmentand reporting.• Deploy and work with popular security distributions and tools such as Kali Linux, ParrotOS, Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nmap, and Wireshark.• Assist in scripting small tools or automations for data collection and reporting (Python,Bash, or PowerShell preferred).

Eligibility & prerequisites

Preferred Skills & Qualifications• Basic to intermediate knowledge of network protocols, operating systems, andcybersecurity fundamentals.• Familiarity with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, Hydra, Nessus, Nikto, and KaliLinux.• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, ports, firewall evasion, and encryption methods.• Exposure to web application vulnerabilities (SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF, etc.) and OWASPTop 10 risks.• Understanding of scripting languages (Python, Bash, or PowerShell).• Prior completion or enrollment in ethical hacking or red team-related courses is a plus.• Highly motivated, analytical thinker, and strong ethical responsibility.

Expected Career OutcomesUpon successful completion, candidates will be prepared to apply for roles such as:• Junior Penetration Tester• Red Team Operator• Vulnerability Analyst• Ethical Hacker• Security Analyst (Offensive Track)Target Employers:• DoD Contractors & Federal Agencies• Cybersecurity Consulting Firms• Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs)• Tech Startups & Financial Institutions• National Defense & Homeland Security PartnersRecommended Certification Path Candidates are encouraged to pursue any three certifications aligned with this role duringor after the internship:• CertFirst CPT – Certified Penetration Tester (Vendor-Neutral Red Team Certification)• CompTIA PenTest+ – Intermediate-level offensive security credential• eJPT – eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester• CEH – EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (DoD 8570 approved)• OSCP – Offensive Security Certified Professional (Advanced Practical Exam* CompTIA - A+, Network+, Security+ These certifications provide practical and theoretical grounding in modern offensivesecurity practices.7. Additional Benefits• Eligible for DoD SkillBridge placement during final 180 days of service• Access to on-demand training, exam vouchers, and virtual labs• One-on-one mentoring from senior penetration testers• Participation in real-time security assessments and live fire exercises• Pathway to full-time employment or advanced apprenticeship track

Locations & contacts

How to apply

  1. Contact the provider using the website or email above. Ask about openings, start dates, and the application.
  2. Confirm eligibility. SkillBridge is generally for service members within 180 days of separation who have their command's approval.
  3. Get your unit commander's authorization following your branch's SkillBridge process. Start early; approvals take time.
  4. Read reviews from past participants on Rate My SkillBridge.

Policy details: official DoW SkillBridge site · our FAQ