September 6, 2024 at 01:36PM
The US government announced a new ‘Serve for America’ initiative to address cybersecurity job shortages by removing unnecessary degree requirements in favor of a skills-based approach. National Cyber Director Harry Coker emphasized the need for cyber talent and aims to prioritize candidates’ ability to perform the job rather than their educational background. The initiative also includes a focus on work-based learning and is meant to help government agencies compete with the private sector for cybersecurity talent.
Key takeaways from the meeting notes:
– The US government has announced the removal of degree requirements in favor of skills-based hiring for cybersecurity jobs.
– The ‘Serve for America’ initiative, led by National Cyber Director Harry Coker, aims to push federal agencies to hire based on experience, certifications, and aptitude tests.
– The initiative also includes an expansion of work-based learning through registered apprenticeships, with a fresh $244 million investment for registered apprenticeships in growing industries, including cybersecurity.
– This policy shift is intended to make it easier for government agencies to compete with the private sector for cybersecurity talent, as the nation faces a critical need for cyber talent.
– National Cyber Director Harry Coker’s agency is working with local governments, academia, and private sector partners to address the cybersecurity skills shortage.