Lower Bucks Today

On August 5, 2024, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), alongside U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (TN), Jacky Rosen (NV), and Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03), announced the reintroduction of the bipartisan and bicameral Cyber Ready Workforce Act. This legislation aims to direct the U.S. Department of Labor to award grants to increase access to registered apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity.

The cybersecurity field faces a significant talent shortage, with nearly 500,000 current job openings in the U.S. and over 4,300 vacancies in Nevada alone. The Cyber Ready Workforce Act seeks to address this issue by establishing a new program within the Department of Labor that awards competitive grants to businesses, industry and community-based organizations, workforce development boards, educational institutions, joint labor-management partnerships, and nonprofits for developing registered apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity.

“The continued shortage of cybersecurity professionals has exposed our nation to severe vulnerabilities, threatening our economy and national security. Now, more than ever, a strong cybersecurity workforce is necessary to protect our interests at home and abroad,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan, bicameral initiative will provide the next generation of cybersecurity experts the opportunity to gain in-demand skills for high-paying jobs here in Pennsylvania and across the nation without the burden of student loan debt while fortifying our critical infrastructure and safeguarding our data systems.”

“Cybersecurity is increasingly important across all sectors, from our small businesses to our national security. But we don’t have enough talent to fill these jobs — Nevada alone is facing a shortage of over 4,300 cybersecurity professionals,” said Rep. Lee. “I’m introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to address this shortage by boosting cybersecurity apprenticeships to recruit and train a new generation of this critical workforce. This bill will help ensure that we don’t fall behind when it comes to cybersecurity while putting Nevada at the forefront of the high-demand, high-impact, and high-paying jobs of the future.”

The proposed program would include industry-recognized certification in cybersecurity, encourage stackable and portable credentials, and increase access to jobs in cybersecurity. Additionally, grant funding could be used for curriculum development and technical instruction as well as support services for apprentices such as career counseling, mentorships, transportation assistance housing aid,and childcare costs.

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