Pathways to Cybersecurity Careers
Maryland - Pathways to Cybersecurity Careers
Workforce Innovation Submitted By: Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation
Community Challenge/Problem
The Baltimore-Washington corridor is home to Fort Meade, the National Security Agency, and the U.S. Cyber Command. The area has highly technical military operations, which create a great demand for cybersecurity professionals. Computer and mathematical positions form the #1 occupational group, or 16% of job openings, in the counties surrounding Fort Meade.
Businesses were having difficulty finding qualified candidates to fill the volume of open positions. A skills gap had formed in the areas of information technology and cybersecurity and there were not enough qualified workers.
Board Solution/Innovation
Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation, the county WIB, led a consortium of Workforce Investment Boards (including Mid-Maryland WIB and Baltimore City WIB), community colleges (Anne Arundel, Howard, and Carroll Community Colleges), businesses, and community partners to develop a pipeline of skilled workers for cybersecurity. Training was funded through a Community-Based Job Training grant from the Department of Labor, but activities have continued beyond the grant period.
Training was offered in stackable certifications and employment efforts were guided by a Business Advisory Board.
Outcomes & Results
The consortium trained 1,149 individuals in industry-recognized certifications ranging from A+ to CISSP. The consortium has also brought together government, community, and business partners to identify and begin to solve the complex workforce challenges that IT and cybersecurity businesses in the area are experiencing. As a result, curricula has become better aligned, job seekers have become better prepared for the industry, and businesses have had a major role in developing the pipeline of cybersecurity professionals.
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