Cabrillo College is opening new doors into the local tech workforce with the Spring 2026 launch of its sixth IT Institute cohort—now officially embedded in the college’s new Information Technology (IT) Institute Pre-Apprentice Certificate of Achievement.

To help prospective participants get started, we are hosting online information and registration meetings in December and January. These sessions provide an overview of the program, answer questions, and guide students through the enrollment steps. Sign up for the information meetings here: https://bit.ly/2026ITInstituteRSVP

This 11-week hybrid program delivers hands-on technical training, professional development, and industry-recognized credential preparation for individuals pursuing entry-level careers in IT support, networking, and cybersecurity. The Spring 2026 session begins January 23, 2026.

For the first time, participants will earn academic credit as part of a stackable Cabrillo certificate pathway. With the completion of one additional course—CIS 103: Tech Support as a Profession—students can finish the new Pre-Apprentice Certificate and qualify to apply for Cabrillo’s paid IT Support Apprenticeship Program with local employers.

“The IT Institute creates real career pathways for adult learners, career changers, and new talent entering our region’s tech workforce,” said Terri Oropeza, Cabrillo CIS faculty member and program coordinator. “By integrating the Institute into a formal certificate pathway, we’re aligning directly with industry needs and delivering motivated, job-ready candidates with both technical expertise and professional skills.”

Program Highlights

  • Dates: January 23 – April 18, 2026
  • Format: Hybrid (instructor-led + self-paced learning)
  • Schedule: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (occasional Friday/Saturday sessions)

Credentials Earned:

  • Cisco IT Essentials Digital Badge
  • Cisco Intro to Cybersecurity Badge
  • Cisco Cybersecurity Essentials Badge
  • Preparation for Google IT Support and CompTIA A+ certifications

Building a Diverse, Job-Ready Tech Workforce

The IT Institute serves adult learners, veterans, career changers, and current Cabrillo students, creating a strong and diverse pipeline of local talent trained in:

  • Hardware and software
  • Networking and operating systems
  • Cybersecurity fundamentals
  • Troubleshooting and customer support

Partner with Cabrillo as a Local Employer

Cabrillo College invites partnerships with:

  • Tech companies and startups
  • Managed service providers (MSPs)
  • Internal IT departments
  • Cybersecurity and network operations teams

Employers can host apprentices, collaborate on real-world projects, and participate in career panels and mock interviews.

📅 Spring 2026 Cohort:
January 23 – April 18, 2026
🌐 Learn more:
www.cabrillo.edu/computer-and-information-systems/
📧 Employer inquiries:
teoropez@cabrillo.edu