Cybersecurity apprenticeship programs would get a major boost from a bipartisan Senate bill that would continue Congress’ efforts to solve the workforce shortage plaguing the industry.
The Cyber-Ready Workforce Act, introduced by Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), calls on the Department of Labor to award competitive grants to help create, implement and expand registered apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity.
“As the cybersecurity industry grows and cyber threats become more commonplace, we need to ensure we have a workforce with the training and skills needed to fill jobs in this critical field,” Rosen said in a press release. The bill would “open the door to higher paying, cutting-edge jobs for Nevadans and all Americans, even those without a college degree.”
According to the legislation, the apprenticeship program will provide participants with technical instruction, on-the-job training and industry-recognized certifications, including several programs from CompTIA and Microsoft, Certified Network Defender and Certified Ethical Hacker.
According to the bill, the apprenticeship program would prepare participants for a career as a computer support specialist, cybersecurity support technician, cloud computing architect, computer programmer, computer systems analyst or security specialist.
“Strengthening our cyber workforce is essential to our national security,” Blackburn said. “The Cyber-Ready Workforce Act will help expand apprenticeships to provide workers with the skills they need to succeed and ensure that the United States remains a global leader in cybersecurity.”
According to the bill, the Ministry of Labor will oversee the registration process for participating employers and troubleshoot any logistical or technical issues. The Ministry of Labor will also assist employers with costs associated with off-site training and course materials, as well as connect companies with appropriate education and training providers for complementary “on-the-job learning.” A special publication of the Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity Skills of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education will serve as a reference material.
The bill states that at least 85% of the grant money would be used by employers to administer the program, with the remaining 15% potentially being allocated to “workforce intermediaries” for marketing and outreach activities.
Rosen and Blackburn’s bill follows vigorous activity in the Senate and House to address the cybersecurity talent gap, which some estimates put at 500,000 jobs. Efforts by Congress over the past year to address the gap include boosting the cyber talent pool at community colleges and minority-serving institutions, promoting cyber jobs in underserved areas and providing cybersecurity training to military veterans.
Written by Matt Bracken Matt Bracken is editor-in-chief of FedScoop and CyberScoop, where he oversees coverage of federal technology policy and cybersecurity. Prior to joining Scoop News Group in 2023, he was senior editor at Morning Consult, leading data-driven coverage of technology, finance, health and energy. Previously, he held various editorial roles at The Baltimore Sun and Arizona Daily Star. He can be reached at matt.bracken@scoopnewsgroup.com.
