This week, Academy of Hope (AoH) hosted a dinner and conversation with our first cohort of Accenture apprentices. In spring 2025, 21 AoH CompTIA learners and alumni were selected by Accenture to participate in the year-long apprenticeship, offering them hands-on experience on real client projects. To prepare, participants completed 15 weeks of intensive cybersecurity training in partnership with PeopleShores and Per Scholas.
The dinner celebrated their halfway point and gauged how the opportunity has changed their lives.
On a professional level, the apprenticeship has enabled them to apply the skills learned in their CompTIA courses across various cybersecurity sectors, including security authorization and generative AI. Others are learning the business side of cybersecurity, assisting consulting projects with big-name brands. Communicating with these clients, mentors, and coworkers has helped them improve their soft skills needed to interact professionally.
The strong sense of community that has developed between the apprentices has also been a significant benefit. Whether it’s solving a problem or lending words of encouragement, their bond has proven that if you work together, you can go farther.
Additionally, certification courses are available to apprentices through Accenture, like Cisco. Many have taken advantage of these opportunities to enhance their knowledge and credibility in the field.
With a starting salary of $60,000, the apprenticeship has tremendously improved their financial situations, as well.
“Going from a barista to corporate pay, I know what my check is going to look like every time. It is different than my survival mindset, scraping money for this and that. I can pay myself first,” Amani W. said.
Having financial stability has motivated them to prioritize investing and saving for their futures. Apprentice Kenya M. utilizes North Star Resource Group financial consultants— a resource introduced to her by AoH— for guidance. She credits AoH’s Hope Forward alumni program for helping her stay focused on these goals and providing her with the confidence to advocate for herself in the workplace.
But most of all, they are proud of their accomplishments.
“I was a dog groomer, and now I work on a project in space,” Jerneice B. said.
“Accenture has helped me reflect on my journey and see how far I have come,” Kevin J. said.
Starting in February, AoH apprentices will have the chance to interview for a full-time position at Accenture. The opportunity reflects their resilience and commitment to their career goals and highlights the potential of adult learners in the technology industry.