Cy Says Blog & Podcast

In the fast-paced world of cybersecurity, it's rare to find individuals passionate about technology and committed to continuous learning. Michael Hall's journey, supported by CyberUp, showcases how dedication, education, and ongoing support lead to remarkable career growth.

Embarking on a Cybersecurity Adventure

Michael's cybersecurity journey started with a strong foundation, drawing from his experience as a high IT analyst at a small non-profit and his academic studies in Business Administration and Cybersecurity. A recommendation from a professor at Webster University led him to CyberUp, transforming his career path. Michael's diverse interests, including fitness, 3D printing, and family time, highlight his versatile personality and eagerness to explore the cybersecurity field.

Early Realizations and Growth

Only three months into his apprenticeship, Michael appreciated the comprehensive nature of CyberUp's training programs, such as ITProTV, and the hands-on practice quizzes that sharpened his skills. His initial role as a security analyst set the stage for his aspirations to expand into testing roles or red team penetration testing, reflecting his desire to master the intricacies of cybersecurity.

Midway Milestones

At the six-month milestone, Michael embraced the dynamic world of cybersecurity, aligning with his love for tech and ongoing learning. The supportive atmosphere at CyberUp and balancing work-life demands showcased his personal and professional growth. He kept himself updated on the ever-changing cybersecurity field through podcasts, blogs, and Reddit, aiming to become a threat intelligence analyst or threat hunter.

A Year of Transformation and Achievement

Approaching his one-year mark, Michael reflected on bridging education with hands-on experience. Starting as an apprentice and swiftly becoming a full-time employee, his journey symbolized progress. He played a key role in implementing a new data loss prevention tool, focusing on email security and incident response. His advice to future CyberUp candidates: stick with it for career advancement.

Michael's cherished quote, "Comparison is the thief of all joy," which stresses the importance of personal growth. His future aspirations lean towards a technical role like a security engineer, fueled by gratitude for CyberUp's support and a drive for continuous improvement in the cybersecurity community.

Legacy and Mentorship

Apart from his professional achievements, Michael's willingness to volunteer with CyberUp’s youth program and participate in the alumni program as a volunteer speaker shows his commitment to giving back and motivating the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Michael's journey, from starting his CyberUp apprenticeship to becoming a cybersecurity analyst, is a tale of dedication, ongoing learning, and the impactful support of educational programs. His story inspires aspiring cybersecurity professionals, showing that reaching career goals is possible with the right resources, guidance, and determination.

Elliott Thompson's journey from military service to a flourishing career in cybersecurity is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and lifelong learning. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Elliott found himself joining the 43% of veterans who leave their first civilian job within their first year. While reflecting on what he wanted to do next, he kept revisiting a unique opportunity that was lingering at the back of his mind – CyberUp’s cybersecurity apprenticeship program.

Military Roots

The Thompson family has a strong military legacy. Elliott’s mother, an Army veteran, and his father, a Marine veteran, provided a strong foundation of discipline, values, and a love for their country. Inspired by his older brother's Navy service, Elliott committed to joining the Air Force in 2001. The tragic events of September 11th further solidified his resolve to serve his nation. Throughout his twenty-year military career, Elliott explored a range of specializations, including transportation, logistics, contract operations, and supply chain management. His experiences instilled discipline and an acute attention to detail, qualities that would prove essential in his future career.

Transition to Cybersecurity

Navigating the transition from military to civilian life proved to be more challenging than Elliott expected. The corporate world was not what he anticipated and he quickly recognized his initial plan was not sustainable long-term. Although he first learned about CyberUp more than a year prior during the Transition Assistance Program (TAPS), Elliott still found himself intrigued with the idea of a cybersecurity apprenticeship. He decided to explore a new career in the world of cybersecurity through CyberUp’s LevelUp Training and registered apprenticeship programs.

The CyberUp Experience

“CyberUp gave me the opportunity to be an apprentice with Centene and my smile has not faded since I started this position. Every day is a challenge yet every day is everything that I hoped to be doing,” says Thompson. The CyberUp program provided Elliott with the guidance and support needed to make the transition to cybersecurity. As an apprentice at Centene, he is leveraging his military background to quickly adapt to the intricacies of cybersecurity. “Elliott’s dedication, excellence in delivery, and professionalism have quickly established him as a key member of our team,” stated Brian Peterson of Centene.

“CyberUp is dedicated to supporting military veterans, spouses, and dependents as they pursue careers in cyber,” said CyberUp Executive Director, Tony Bryan. “Our mission is to elevate the cybersecurity workforce by igniting curiosity, developing talent, and transforming career pathways. Everyone benefits when veterans and their families bring their commitment to mission and core values to the cyber community.”

Elliott's story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of continuous learning. It serves as an inspiring example for others transitioning from military to civilian life and seeking to redefine their careers. His success story underscores the importance of seizing opportunities, following one's passion, and adapting to change with determination.

In today's rapidly evolving job market, traditional education pathways are no longer the sole route to career success. Apprenticeships have emerged as a valuable alternative for individuals seeking hands-on training, real-world experience, and a clear path to promising career opportunities. Central to the effectiveness of apprenticeships is the role of an often overlooked yet crucial player: the apprenticeship intermediary. In this blog, we will delve into the significance of apprenticeship intermediaries, their responsibilities, and the impact they have on shaping the future of skilled workforces.

Defining Apprenticeship Intermediary:

An apprenticeship intermediary can be understood as a facilitator, connector, and advocate for both apprentices and employers. Essentially, it acts as a bridge that links aspiring apprentices with suitable businesses or organizations offering apprenticeship opportunities. This intermediary plays a pivotal role in ensuring that apprenticeships are well-structured, relevant to industry needs, and beneficial for all parties involved.

Key Responsibilities of an Apprenticeship Intermediary:

1. Identifying Opportunities: One of the primary responsibilities of an apprenticeship intermediary is to actively seek out and identify potential employers willing to participate in apprenticeship programs. By building and maintaining strong relationships with businesses across various industries, they can ensure a diverse range of apprenticeship options for aspiring candidates.
2. Matching Apprentices and Employers: An apprenticeship intermediary carefully assesses the skills, interests, and career goals of aspiring apprentices. Simultaneously, they analyze the requirements and demands of employers. Using this information, the intermediary successfully matches the right apprentices with suitable employers, leading to better outcomes for both parties.
3. Curriculum Development: To ensure that apprenticeships provide relevant and valuable learning experiences, intermediaries collaborate with employers to develop robust training curricula. By tailoring the training to meet industry demands, the intermediary enhances the apprentices' employability and prepares them for real-world challenges.
4. Navigating Administrative Procedures: The administrative tasks associated with apprenticeships can be intricate and time-consuming. Apprenticeship intermediaries assist employers and apprentices in navigating through paperwork, compliance requirements, and funding applications, streamlining the entire process.
5. Mentorship and Support: Throughout the apprenticeship journey, intermediaries provide mentorship and support to both apprentices and employers. They address challenges, mediate conflicts, and ensure a smooth transition from training to employment.

The Impact of Apprenticeship Intermediaries:

Apprenticeship intermediaries play a transformative role in fostering a skilled and adaptable workforce. Their contributions extend beyond the individual level, influencing entire industries and economies:

1. Reduced Skills Gap: By identifying the needs of employers and providing tailored training, apprenticeship intermediaries help bridge the gap between the skills employers seek and the skills job seekers possess. This ultimately reduces the skills gap and increases the number of employable candidates.
2. Higher Retention Rates: Apprenticeships facilitated by intermediaries often result in higher retention rates for both employers and apprentices. This is because the intermediary's involvement ensures better alignment of expectations and increased commitment from all parties.
3. Economic Growth: A well-functioning apprenticeship system supported by intermediaries enhances economic growth by supplying industries with a highly skilled workforce. This, in turn, improves productivity and innovation, leading to stronger economies.

How CyberUp Serves Our Partners:

At CyberUp, we offer apprenticeships to develop specific technical skills. These programs focus on new workers and aim to increase the number of qualified individuals entering entry-level roles in the cybersecurity sector. We play a crucial role in promoting and implementing apprenticeship programs in targeted industry sectors. Working closely with businesses, workforce organizations, and educational institutions, our goal is to raise awareness, drive adoption, and facilitate the successful implementation of apprenticeships. Serving as a link between job seekers, employers, apprentices, and education providers, we provide comprehensive management and support throughout the apprentices' journey.

Benefits of working with CyberUp:

• Support: We provide comprehensive support to our apprentices. Coordinating training instruction with workplace supervisors, offering follow-up services, monitoring attendance, and addressing challenges that may arise.
• Management: As the Apprenticeship Sponsor, we take full responsibility for managing all Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Standards. This includes assigning appropriate on-the-job learning tasks, providing mentorship, ensuring completion of related technical instruction (RTI), and meeting competency standards. Employers can partner with us without needing a "government contract."
• Knowledge Sharing: Our role as an intermediary allows us to replicate and share effective best practices, enhancing apprenticeship outcomes for all stakeholders. We contribute to the smooth operation of programs and play a vital role in the overall success of workforce development strategies.
• Staffing Assistance: We assist employers in quickly and easily expanding and diversifying their talent pool through our apprenticeship programs. By working with us, employers can avoid the complexities of designing, registering, and launching apprenticeships, allowing them to focus on their core business.

Conclusion:

The role of an apprenticeship intermediary cannot be overstated in today's labor market. Their dedicated efforts in connecting aspiring apprentices with employers and supporting them throughout the apprenticeship journey are key to building a competent and prosperous workforce. As apprenticeships continue to gain recognition for their potential to transform careers, the role of these intermediaries becomes ever more critical, shaping a brighter future for skilled workers and industries alike. For more information or to partner with us, please contact our team at [insert contact information]