Cybersecurity Apprenticeships to Expand Under New Bill
On July 25, 2024, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen and Marsh Blackburn introduced a new legislation titled the Cyber Ready Workforce Act. This bill is designed to provide financial support through government grants for the expansion of cybersecurity apprenticeship programs across the United States. It requires the U.S. Department of Labor to offer financial backing to approved organizations and to facilitate coordination between employers and training providers for more effective programs.
Why the Cyber Ready Workforce Act was Created
Currently, there are over half a million open cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. The fast-evolving nature of cyber threats, driven by next-generation technologies, has made it challenging for organizations to find skilled personnel. States like California, Texas, and Virginia face significant shortages, with tens of thousands of unfilled positions. According to Cyberseek's Cybersecurity Supply and Demand Heat Map, significant skill gaps exist in areas like systems authorization, data analysis, and vulnerability analysis.
The Cyber Ready Workforce Act aims to make cybersecurity training and certification programs more accessible, helping bridge the existing employment gaps.
Guidelines for Grant Approvals
The bill outlines how organizations can obtain grants for cybersecurity apprenticeships. Eligible entities include:
- Business or industry organizations
- Community-based organizations
- State or local workforce boards
- Postsecondary education institutions
- Joint labor-management partnerships
- Institutions of higher education
- Nonprofit organizations
The extension of grants to both public and private sectors is noteworthy. According to the RAND Corporation, private sector cybersecurity roles tend to offer 20-35% higher salaries compared to the public sector.
Program Requirements
The Cyber Ready Workforce Act specifies requirements for grant-worthy programs, including:
- Technical instruction, workplace training, and industry-recognized certifications
- Certifications such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and Certified Ethical Hacker
- Promotion of stackable and portable credentials
- Training for occupations like computer support, cybersecurity, and cloud computing
Allocation of Funds
Grant funding is divided into an 85/15 split:
- 85% for developing and supporting apprenticeship programs, including curricula development and employer assistance.
- 15% for marketing apprenticeships, recruiting diverse apprentices, and collaborating with other workforce intermediaries.
Future Outlook
Senator Jacky Rosen emphasized the importance of the bill in addressing the growing cybersecurity workforce needs. She stated that the bill will support Registered Apprenticeships and technical skills training, opening doors to well-paying jobs for Americans, even those without a college degree.
