There are two very real problems in cybersecurity today that you may or may not have seen in the headlines, reputable periodicals, or even your LinkedIn feed. There just aren’t enough skilled security professionals to go around. How could that be, when we are frequently inundated with requests for mentorship from people who are trying to break into the field? To be frank, organizations simply aren’t hiring entry-level information security professionals. They all want someone with demonstrated skills and experience to help secure their information environments.

The hardest part about starting an apprenticeship program is getting started. Human resources, recruitment, and other staffing processes will differ from more traditional employment. Fortunately, there are government programs in place to assist organizations with implementation, such as the Department of Labor’s ApprenticeshipUSA and various state-run programs. These programs also help find ways to subsidize costs and raise awareness. Even more benefits might be available by offering apprenticeships to veterans, those with disabilities, and recent college graduates.
If your organization is finding difficulty keeping the information security workforce charged, or if you are looking for ways to increase your team without breaking the bank, please consider giving back to the entire information security community by starting an apprenticeship program.
Steve Higdon has been working in the information security field for over ten years, providing support and consultancy to both public and private sector organizations. Steve can be reached via email at infosec@stephenhigdon.com and on Twitter at @SteveHigdon.
Image: Repro. of painting by (Louis-?) Emile Adan (1839-1937), copyrighted by Braun & Co., N.Y., Public Domain, available via Library of Congress (ID cph.3b27512)
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