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CISA invests in cyber workforce training

Two US technology companies have secured funding to expand the reach of their cyber training programs.

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Fri, 22 Oct 2021
CISA invests in cyber workforce training
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The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has awarded US$2 million ($2.67 million) to cyber training providers NPower and CyberWarrior.

The firms are expected to leverage the funding to deliver training to underserviced communities and segments of the population, including:

  • the unemployed and underemployed;
  • underserved communities in urban and rural areas;
  • veterans;
  • military spouses;
  • women; and
  • people of colour.

CyberWarrior and NPower will work alongside CISA to develop a scalable and replicable proof of concept to identify and train individuals to address a cyber security workforce shortage.

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The three-year pilot program aims to:

  • develop and implement a comprehensive cyber security pathways retention strategy;
  • deliver entry-level cyber security training through innovative training hubs;
  • provide hands-on and professional development experience through apprenticeships; and
  • decrease the cyber security workforce shortage by placing talented individuals into entry-level cyber security jobs.

“Addressing the cyber workforce shortage requires us to proactively seek out, find and foster prospective talent from non-traditional places,” CISA director Jen Easterly said.

“CISA is dedicated to recruiting and training individuals from all areas and all backgrounds with the aptitude and attitude to succeed in this exciting field.

“It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do – for the mission and the country. We’re best positioned to solve the cyber challenges facing our nation when we have a diverse range of thought bringing every perspective to the problem.”

Reinier Moquete, founder of the CyberWarrior Foundation welcomed the opportunity to bolster access to cyber training services through its 28-week boot camp program.

“CyberWarrior is honoured to take part in the Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Training Pilot for Underserved Communities,” Moquete said.

“We encourage prospective students, employers and workforce stakeholders to reach out and join us in building opportunities for these individuals.”

Bertina Ceccarelli, CEO of NPower said the company’s cyber security program would help advance the careers of students and veterans.

“This is particularly important for individuals coming from under-represented communities that systemically lack access to those specialised skills,” Ceccarelli said.

“We are honoured for the support from CISA, which will enable NPower to expand our reach to trainees across the country.”

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