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By 2020, there will be millions of unfilled cybersecurity jobs. To help fill those ranks, a consortium of tech companies is looking to enlist people with military experience.
CyberVetsUSA, a free cybersecurity training for veterans, service members transitioning back to civilian life and military spouses, is expanding courses for Maryland on Nov. 1, and North Carolina on Nov. 14.
The training is offered free of charge for any veteran transitioning service member and military spouse looking to live and work in Maryland and North Carolina.
Coming off the success of the initial training in Virginia—where 200 people are working in the cybersecurity field out of 275 trained—Cisco Systems is collaborating with other industry partners like Amazon Web Services, The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, NetApp, and National Development Group to offer the coursework.
“Veterans come equipped to this space with the skills that make truly valuable cybersecurity professionals,” says Danielle Corazza, program manager for CyberVetsUSA.
“This is really a national security issue, and there is a huge talent shortage.”
After the training, the group of tech firms turn around and are competitors seeking qualified cyber professionals and offering a livable wage in a growing labor market.
“Together all of these companies offer training for the products and services that they offer,” says Corazza.
“Most of these pieces of training have a $4,500 or more value, and then there are associated certificates that also have a testing cost.”
But training isn’t all they’re offering.
Onward to Opportunity (O2O), of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, along with its partner Hire Heroes USA, will provide screening, enrollment, advising and employment support to match applicants’ interests with their aptitudes and career goals.
“The value of the O2O program is they have hands-on advisors that can talk to these vets and really make sure they get into a program that works for them,” says Corazza.
Enrollment, eligibility and advising for each veteran going through the program is part of the package, to see which track matches up with their interests and aptitudes.
There are some 26,000 unfilled IT jobs in Maryland, according to Corazza, with about 30 percent of those focused on cybersecurity, which should come as no surprise given the number of defense contractors in the state as well as Fort Meade and the National Security Agency.
“If you’re a transitioning military member, instead of going to a two or four-year degree when you get out of the military, you can go for a two or four-month certificate. And immediately find employment at a living wage,” she adds.
“We’re really looking at lifetime employability.”
If you’re interested in the program, contact [email protected].
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