As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals continues to expand, particularly in Critical Infrastructure Sectors. This session will highlight three innovative cybersecurity workforce development programs, funded by the NCAE-C Program to address that challenge. An overarching goal is to support other CAE-C designated institutions in developing similar upskilling and reskilling training programs to complement their academic degree programs and multiply the pathways toward cybersecurity jobs. The presenters will offer a call to action to the CAE-C Community and discuss how other CAE-C institutions can leverage the programs’ resources and platform to launch similar programs.
The National Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program is a nationally scalable program that focuses on recruiting, preparing, and placing over 1650 transitioning military, first responders, and veterans into cybersecurity roles across Critical Infrastructure Sectors. CyberSkills2Work is led by the University of West Florida and supported by a coalition of 10 NCAE-C designated institutions across the country, including CAE-CD, -R, -CO, 2Y, 4Y, and MSI institutions. The program offers 15 flexible training pathways that address 15 NICE Cybersecurity Framework work roles, help students develop hands-on skills via industry certifications, cutting-edge tools, and training courses, and document their competencies via digital badges and credentials. CyberSkills2Work includes a National Employers Network to connect students with employers and job opportunities, and a one-stop-shop web portal for students, employers, and institutions.
The University of Louisville-led Coalition (composed of 10 NCAE-C schools, including four HBCUs) Cybersecurity Workforce Development Program focuses on collaborating and leveraging resources and expertise to create cybersecurity curriculum addressing use cases in healthcare and logistics. The online asynchronous flexible cyber curriculum includes technology vendor credentials such as IBM, Microsoft, Google etc. matched with subject matter experts as well as participants partnered with success coaches networked within businesses. Three levels of progressive knowledge of cybersecurity (new/emerging cutting-edge technologies) are offered on topics, including blockchain, post quantum cryptography, artificial intelligence, and cognitive computing. A gaming app is available on the Google and App store free to anyone.
The CWCT, led by Purdue University Northwest and other three CAE institutions, has been launched to recruit and train over 1000 transitioning military, first responders, and other adult learners in the field of AI and Cybersecurity. Training participants have been engaged with educators and advisors at each phase of their CWCT journey including interest inspiration, pre-knowledge assessment, structured learning, certification preparation, career mentoring, and job placement. CWCT fully recognizes the importance of workforce preparation through online academic training and competency measurement through industry-government recognized certifications. CWCT goes one step further to develop a Job Placement Program through workshops on resume building and interview skill development, and more importantly, introducing job opportunities to training participants through virtual job fairs and other unique efforts.
