Cy Says Blog & Podcast

In today's dynamic job market, the technology sector continues to experience rapid growth, with cybersecurity emerging as a critical domain. As organizations grapple with the challenge of finding skilled cybersecurity professionals, various approaches have been devised to bridge the talent gap. Two prominent methods are traditional staffing firms and apprenticeship placement models like CyberUp's. In this blog, we'll delve into the key differences between these two approaches, shedding light on their distinct characteristics, benefits, and considerations.

Defining the Models:

Staffing Firms: Staffing firms, also known as recruitment agencies or employment agencies, act as intermediaries between employers and job seekers. They source, evaluate, and present candidates to companies seeking to fill specific positions. Staffing firms operate across various industries and domains, connecting companies with temporary, permanent, or contract employees.

CyberUp's Apprenticeship: CyberUp's apprenticeship placement model focuses on developing talent through hands-on training and real-world experience. It provides a structured pathway for individuals looking to enter the cybersecurity field, particularly those with strong professional skills but who are simply new to cybersecurity. Apprentices work under the guidance of experienced mentors, gaining skills through practical projects and tasks. This model aims to bridge the skills gap while helping apprentices transition into permanent roles.

What are the 4 Differences:

• Approach to Skill Development:
  • Staffing Firms: Staffing firms primarily match candidates' existing skills and qualifications with job requirements. While they may provide some training and resources, their main focus is on identifying candidates who are already equipped with the necessary skills.
  • CyberUp's Apprenticeship: CyberUp's approach emphasizes skill development through hands-on training and mentorship. Apprentices gain practical experience working on real projects, enhancing their skills in a real-world context. This model is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to transition into cybersecurity from different backgrounds, as it offers a learning pathway that bridges the skills gap.
• Duration and Nature of Engagement:
  • Staffing Firms: Staffing firms often facilitate short-term or contract-based placements. While some placements may lead to permanent positions, many are temporary in nature, which may not provide long-term stability for job seekers.
  • CyberUp's Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships typically span a more extended period, often ranging from several months to a year or more. This longer engagement allows apprentices to immerse themselves in the cybersecurity domain, acquire practical skills, and build a solid foundation for future career growth.
• Alignment with Industry Needs:
• • Staffing Firms: Staffing firms focus on immediate job placements, aiming to meet employers' immediate staffing needs. They may not always have a direct focus on skill development to address the broader skills gap in the industry.
  • CyberUp's Apprenticeship: CyberUp's model is designed to address the cybersecurity skills shortage by fostering skill development from the ground up. By providing apprentices with relevant training and mentorship, contributes to building a more skilled and capable cybersecurity workforce.
• Potential for Long-Term Employment:
  • Staffing Firms: While staffing firms can lead to permanent placements, the focus is often on filling immediate vacancies rather than cultivating long-term career growth.
  • CyberUp's Apprenticeship: CyberUp's model aims to not only prepare apprentices for cybersecurity roles but also to facilitate their transition into long-term employment within the industry. By offering practical experience and mentorship, it positions apprentices for sustained success in the field.

Conclusion:

Both staffing firms and CyberUp's apprenticeship placement model have their own merits, catering to different needs within the cybersecurity job market. Staffing firms provide immediate placement solutions, while CyberUp's innovative model offers a more comprehensive approach to skill development and addressing the industry's talent shortage. As the technology landscape evolves, exploring these different models can help job seekers and employers make informed decisions about the pathways that align with their goals and needs.

Kyauna Cambell joined the CyberUp team in May 2021. The team met her in 2020 when she participated in our first LevelUp Training cohort in St. Louis. Her passion and dedication to others shined throughout the class and when the role opened up she was the first person who came to mind to hire. She has grown tremendously in her role with us and continues to drive all recruitment and training for our apprentice candidates. 

What do you do at CyberUp?

I am the LevelUp Training Coordinator.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Helping Candidates through their journey of self-discovery while they are learning new life-changing technical skills.

What did you want to be when you were growing up as a kid?

A Lawyer!

What is your go-to song for karaoke?

The Fugees - Killing Me Softly

What is your favorite book to recommend?

Anything by Toni Morrison

What is one piece of advice you would give someone to “LevelUp” their career?

While technical skills can be learned, life/soft skills are still quite important. Companies are still searching for Customer Service, Management/ Leadership, and Communication skills. Continue to build these and many other soft/life skills that remain in high demand.

St. Louis, MO, Aug 21, 2023 - RGA, a global leader in life and health reinsurance, proudly sponsors CyberUp’s Youth Program. CyberUp is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to elevate the cybersecurity workforce by igniting curiosity, developing talent, and transforming career pathways.  This sponsorship and volunteer support seek to revolutionize the landscape of digital safety education by introducing PowerUp, an innovative youth program aimed at equipping elementary and middle school students with essential cybersecurity skills.

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and the increase of digital platforms, the need for cybersecurity education has never been more critical. PowerUp, an initiative by CyberUp, is poised to address this pressing need. Designed as a comprehensive and engaging curriculum taught by industry volunteers, PowerUp ignites curiosity in young individuals and helps them navigate the online world confidently and securely.

PowerUp delivers a comprehensive curriculum that provides cybersecurity knowledge and skills to students. Participants will gain insights into fundamental concepts such as creating strong and resilient passwords, identifying and thwarting phishing scams, and adopting best practices for online safety. Furthermore, the program introduces students to the diverse and promising avenues within the cybersecurity industry, opening doors to potential career paths.

One of PowerUp's standout features is that it’s taught by IT/Cybersecurity industry professionals who bring real-world expertise and insights to the educational forefront. PowerUp removes the stress and burden off of the teachers so they don’t have to be the subject matter expert.  Notably, the program is tailored to ensure inclusivity and accessibility, as it does not rely on sophisticated technology. This unique approach enables schools of varying resources to participate, thereby extending the program's reach to the students who need it the most.

"RGA is proud to support the PowerUp program to ensure youth in our community have equitable access and vast opportunities to pursue careers in the cybersecurity sector," said Jasmina Schue, ESG specialist, charitable giving at RGA. "Through our partnership with CyberUp, we hope to bring awareness about digital safety to the forefront and provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital world safely and securely."

For more information about RGA and its ongoing initiatives, please visit https://www.rgare.com/.

To learn more about PowerUp program and its transformative impact on youth cybersecurity education, please visit https://wecyberup.org/powerup/.

Rachel Bracker joined the CyberUp team in January 2022. She transitioned from her career as an elementary school teacher to lead our PowerUp program. She brings an understanding of the challenges faced every day by educators and an uncanny ability to make a relatable curriculum for students to learn. She is leading the team into a new chapter of our youth engagement and we are excited for you to meet her and watch her grow with the organization.

What do you do at CyberUp?

I am the Youth Program Manager at CyberUp! I previously ran our youth CTF and now am running our brand new PowerUp program!

What is your favorite part of your job?

The best part of my job is working with students! They are so eager to learn and always walk away excited by the idea of cybersecurity as a career. I learn a lot from them, too!

What did you want to be when you were growing up as a kid?

An artist and a veterinarian

What is your go-to song for karaoke?

Teardrops On My Guitar by Taylor Swift

What is your favorite book to recommend?

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. I read it every fall!

What is one piece of advice you would give someone to “LevelUp” their career?

It's never too late to start! It can be scary to make a big career change but don't let that fear keep you from reaching your full potential.

If you would like to volunteer, participate in PowerUp, or simply get more involved with the work CyberUp is doing to ignite curiosity in future cybersecurity professionals be sure to contact Rachel today.

 Also, here are some incredible thought pieces on STEM and cybersecurity education created by her. Stay tuned for new ones in the coming weeks about back-to-school safety and more. 

LevelUp Cyber Live: https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/ep-60-youth-cyber

Cy Says Blog: https://news.wecyberup.org/cy-says-blog/cyberups-new-approach-to-cybersecurity-education-powerup

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.