Launching A Career On The Digital Frontier

Graduate Sierra Hodge

The computer and information technology sector is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2024 and 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With a median annual wage of about $105,990, IT careers offer both stability and opportunity.

Raytheon is opening doors into this growing field through its Cybersecurity and Digital Technology System Administration Registered Apprenticeship Program. Launched in 2023 in partnership with Pima Community College and the Arizona Apprenticeship Office, the rigorous two‑year program prepares individuals for careers in Global Security Services (GSS). On Nov. 15, 2025, the program was honored at the 63rd Annual David G. Hollis Outstanding Apprenticeship Award Ceremony with the 2025 Exemplary Program Award in the Information Technology category.

“This program provides an alternative entry point to a professional career for driven individuals, increasing opportunities for Tucsonans,” said Dennis E. McMurray Jr., Raytheon’s senior manager of program digital services. “It also helps us fill critical positions on our systems administration and cyber teams with talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm.”

The program’s vision is to see apprentices grow into leadership roles and eventually executive positions within Raytheon, while expanding to include every career field across the company.

Already, five graduates have completed the program, three in Cybersecurity and two in Systems Administration. All are now employed in salaried positions supporting classified programs in Tucson. Individual graduates were also recognized at the November Award Ceremony:

• Maya Norton, Cybersecurity apprentice, won the Arizona Outstanding Apprentice Award for Cyber Security Support Technician.
• Justin Bullock, Systems Administration graduate, earned the Arizona Outstanding Computer Support Specialist Award.

“My experience was great! I met all kinds of different people, and I loved the team I was on,” shared Sierra Hodge, Systems Administration graduate. “My goals were to learn as much as I could and eventually join the High‑Performance Computing team. I also plan on earning my RHCSA certification.”

Raytheon Registered Apprenticeship Graduates

Interested in creating your own apprenticeship program, or becoming an apprentice? Explore opportunities through the Arizona Registered Apprenticeship Program.