WINTER HAVEN, FL — Ethical hacking, computer forensics and system security will be among the skills taught to apprentices as Polk State College revitalizes its Cybersecurity Registered Apprenticeship Program in partnership with the Florida Department of Education.
Polk State announced the program Wednesday during the Florida State Board of Education’s monthly meeting, which was hosted at the college’s Winter Haven Campus. Through the program, apprentices will receive paid, structured on-the-job training under experienced professionals while completing technical instruction and earning industry credentials.
Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas said rebuilding the apprenticeship comes as cybersecurity and information security analyst positions remain high-wage, high-demand occupations in Florida.
“Cybersecurity and information security analyst roles are both high-wage and high-demand in Florida,” Kamoutsas said. “Together, we are ensuring that Florida can grow its own highly skilled cybersecurity workforce.”
According to information provided by Polk State, information security analyst jobs are projected nationally to grow 21% from 2025 through 2035. In Polk County, the occupation appears on CareerSource Polk’s 2025–2026 Regional Demand Occupations List, with nearly 900 annual job openings. Florida Commissioner of Education Dr. Henry Mack said the apprenticeship will combine classroom instruction with paid workplace experience and portable credentials.
Polk State plans to work with local employers and municipalities to train workers while strengthening cybersecurity efforts throughout the region.
The City of Haines City is among the local governments involved. Human Resources and Organizational Development Director Chandra Hall said city employee Jeremiah Anhalt previously completed the apprenticeship and was recently promoted to Director of Technology Management. Another employee, Shemar Mais, is preparing to participate in the revitalized program.
“This partnership will provide valuable opportunities for our employees, strengthen our workforce, and increase cybersecurity for our city,” Hall said.
SOURCE: Polk State College
