Cy Says Blog & Podcast

Security teams face mounting challenges including budget cuts, staff shortages, and an overwhelming volume of alerts. It's a high-stress environment demanding efficient use of limited resources. A recent article from CSO Online outlined the daily struggles of these teams - it's clear they're bogged down. But in focusing on the problems, the author overlooked a major opportunity: apprenticeship programs.

The article highlighted specific tasks that consume security teams, like responding to alerts, reviewing suspicious emails, and compiling audit data. To identify which activities are slowing your team down, regularly ask which tasks they would delegate to new staff if given the chance. Bringing on apprentices could provide real relief in these areas. With proper training, they can efficiently triage alerts to reduce senior staff workloads. Apprentices will competently handle initial phishing investigations too. And they can prepare audit materials while learning systems firsthand. 

Before launching any program, we get to know our employer partners in depth - their culture, talent needs, and key initiatives. This diligent discovery process lets us hand-pick applicants who will hit the ground running and create value immediately through their contributions.

For example, CyberUp recently placed a cohort of apprentices across various departments with Centene Corporation, including roles in security operations, incident response, and compliance. This allowed Centene to bring in extra support and new perspectives tailored to their unique needs.

The CyberUp apprentice at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis performed so well that they were converted to a permanent position months ahead of schedule. This demonstrates how apprentices can quickly become invaluable contributors. The apprentice rotated through several departments which not only taught them more in a short amount of time but also increased the entire team's bandwidth. Their passion and accelerated on-the-job learning resulted in their early promotion.

At Barry Wehmiller, a CyberUp apprentice assists with managing quarterly phishing simulation campaigns. This gives Barry Wehmiller’s security team valuable help with this crucial awareness activity while developing new talent. The apprentice handles administrative tasks like campaign scheduling, reporting, and training coordination. They also gained hands-on experience developing phishing email templates and landing pages. This freed up a significant amount of time for the security team and allowed them to focus on higher-value tasks.

These real-world examples show the power of apprenticeships for cost-effectively expanding security teams. By leveraging CyberUp's expertise, leading organizations have driven productivity gains and strengthened their talent pipelines.

Apprenticeships are a low-risk investment because of their low cost and flexible structure. They provide capable help for essential tasks. Bringing in new perspectives and energy also reinvigorates teams. It’s a win-win - you cultivate junior talent while alleviating pressure on veterans. 

Rather than waiting for others to solve staffing problems, security managers should take the initiative and build apprentice programs now. Start small if needed, but get talent in the door. Give them hands-on work that drives learning. Doing so may uncover your next rockstar while taking pressure off the senior team.

It's time to take control and build the future security team you need. CyberUp makes launching an apprenticeship program easy, and the long-term benefits of an expanded, well-rounded team make this investment in new talent worthwhile.

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.

Starting a career in cybersecurity is similar to the excitement and anticipation of starting a new school year. As students prepare for new academic challenges and experiences, aspiring cybersecurity professionals immerse themselves in the world of digital security and data protection. In this blog we will explore the parallels between transitioning to cybersecurity and starting school, highlighting steps needed to navigate this dynamic career and succeed in cyberspace.

1. A Scary First Day: Acquiring Basic Knowledge

When a student walks into a classroom on the first day of school, they encounter a realm of unfamiliar subjects. Similarly, entering the cybersecurity world can be overwhelming in terms of technical jargon, tools, and concepts. Embrace the initial jitters and focus on acquiring foundational knowledge. Enroll in cybersecurity classes, read industry blogs, and become familiar with cybersecurity frameworks.

2. Building Relationships: Networking in the Cyber Community

Just as school is an opportunity to make friends, getting into cybersecurity gives you the opportunity to network with industry professionals. Join cybersecurity forums, attend conferences, and connect with mentors who can guide you on your journey. Networking opens doors to new opportunities and valuable insights.

3. Problem-solving Skills: Embracing Challenges

School presents students with various challenges and encourages them to develop their problem-solving skills. Cybersecurity professionals face similar scenarios when dealing with constant threats. Embrace challenges with an inquisitive mind and determination to find solutions.

4. Learning from Mistakes: Embracing Continuous Improvement

Mistakes are a natural part of any learning process. In school, students learn from mistakes to improve their academic performance. Similarly, cybersecurity professionals must have a continuous improvement mindset that will help them investigate security breaches, understand root causes, and implement strategies to prevent future occurrences.

5. Teamwork and Cooperation: Playing Nice in the Sandbox

Group projects and teamwork take place in schools, teaching students the value of collaboration. In cybersecurity, collaboration between teams such as threat analysts, IT professionals, and management is critical to effectively defend against cyber threats. Learning to play nice in the Sandbox (pun intended) is a transferable skill that applies to everything. 

6. Being Curious: Embracing Lifelong Learning

Successful students have a curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. It’s important to stay on top of the latest trends, threats, and technologies in cybersecurity.  Engage in continuous learning, pursue certifications, and explore new aspects of cybersecurity to stay ahead in the field.

7. Graduation Day: Achieving Cybersecurity Milestones

Just as graduation is a milestone for students, cybersecurity professionals celebrate milestones as they advance in their careers. Whether earning certifications, leading security projects, or getting a promotion, every step is worth celebrating.

The transition to cybersecurity is similar to the excitement and challenges of starting a new school year. Embrace the journey with a thirst for knowledge, a commitment to collaboration, and a passion for problem-solving. As you navigate the cybersecurity field, remember that, like school, it’s a lifelong learning process. Embrace each challenge, learn from mistakes, and celebrate your achievements as you embark on a rewarding career in cybersecurity. 

Sterling's journey into the world of cybersecurity has been one of passion, hard work, and dedication. His love for technology dates back to the early days of personal computing, and he has spent over a decade working in the semiconductor industry, keeping up with the latest advancements in the field through tech publications like Byte magazine.

As a cybersecurity professional, Sterling has a broad interest in various methodologies, but his passion lies in counterintelligence. His time in the Army working in electronic warfare tactical systems repair fueled his interest in technology, and he has since become an expert in his field.

In addition to his professional work, Sterling is a tech enthusiast who enjoys building PCs, configuring microcomputers like raspberry pi's, and tinkering with home automation devices. His office is a veritable tech wonderland, filled with gadgets and computer equipment that he loves to experiment with.

Sterling's journey into the cybersecurity industry was not without its challenges. As a newcomer, he faced a barrage of new learning objectives and had to quickly adapt to a new and fast-paced industry. Fortunately, Sterling had the support of CyberUp, which provided him with invaluable resources and a network of fellow apprentices to connect with.

With CyberUp's help, Sterling was able to stay focused and make significant strides in his career. He completed CompTIA Security+ training and embarked on an apprenticeship with Centene, where he was able to apply his skills and knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Today, Sterling is a highly skilled and sought-after cybersecurity professional, with a deep understanding of counterintelligence and a passion for keeping up with the latest advancements in his field. He is an inspiration to others in the industry, and his dedication and hard work are a testament to the incredible opportunities available in the cybersecurity field.

Sterling's journey into the world of cybersecurity is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a passion for technology. His love for the field has driven him to become an expert in the field, and his journey is a testament to the incredible opportunities available in the cybersecurity industry.

                                                                                                                                                                   

In an ever-evolving job market, apprenticeships have emerged as a powerful pathway for individuals to gain practical skills, hands-on experience, and valuable industry connections. Apprenticeships are an alternative form of education that allows participants to learn while they work, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. For those looking to secure a successful career, apprenticeships offer a promising route.

CyberUp has been working alongside industry-leading cybersecurity organizations for the past 6 years. In fact, we were one of the first organizations in the country to launch an apprenticeship program in this field. Since 2017, over 400 new cybersecurity-specific apprenticeship programs have been created across the nation. With over 600,000 unfilled cyber roles, there is an opportunity for anyone interested, although the abundance of programs has caused some confusion in defining the model. As more programs launch, the challenge is conveying the basics clearly while getting employers excited about the benefits.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a structured training program that enables individuals to learn and develop essential skills while actively participating in the workplace. It combines on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced mentors with classroom-based instruction on relevant topics. Apprenticeships provide a form of "earning while learning," allowing participants to gain practical experience and knowledge in their chosen field. Programs typically range from 1-6 years and are offered in hundreds of occupations.

Key Components of an Apprenticeship

1. On-the-Job Training: This hands-on training is the hallmark of apprenticeships. By working directly with seasoned professionals, apprentices gain invaluable real-world skills and insights they wouldn't get solely from a classroom. For example, a computer programming apprentice may shadow senior coders, assist on projects, and be guided in coding applications themselves.
2. Mentorship: Apprentices are paired with mentor(s) who provide guidance throughout their learning journey. These mentors serve as supervisors, coaches, and role models - offering support, sharing expertise, and giving constructive feedback to help apprentices improve. The ongoing mentor relationships create a nurturing yet challenging environment.
3. Classroom Instruction: In addition to on-the-job learning, apprentices take classroom courses to supplement their practical training. These may be at a college, vocational program, or within the hiring company. Coursework covers industry fundamentals, regulations, technology use, and more. The combination of hands-on and academic learning builds comprehensive understanding.
4. Certifications and Credentials: The successful completion of an apprenticeship program results in industry-recognized certifications and credentials. This validates an apprentice's skills and enhances their career prospects. For example, a machinist apprentice may earn Journeyman status, while a dental assistant would become a Certified Dental Assistant.

Benefits of Apprenticeships

1. Gain Valuable Skills: Apprenticeships provide intensive training and practice in all facets of a profession. The skills gained are transferable and highly useful across one's career. For instance, an accountant apprentice will learn complex regulatory standards as well as client management abilities.
2. Increased Employability: Apprentices gain qualifications and credentials that make them extremely employable. Many earn certifications that set them apart. Additionally, they prove themselves on the job. Over 90% of apprentice program graduates immediately find employment.
3. Earn While You Learn: Apprentices earn wages from day one, allowing them to make money while learning. This removes the financial burden of full-time education. They also gain real workplace experience - a huge advantage over solely classroom-based learning.
4. Set Up for Success: The intensive training and acculturation into a profession sets apprentices up for future success. They build skills gradually and are guided by experts in navigating career pathways. The transition from apprentice to professional role is smooth and natural.

Apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities to launch meaningful, rewarding careers. The earn-while-you-learn model provides a superior education compared to sole classroom learning. Upon completion, apprentices emerge fully prepared and qualified to excel in their chosen profession. Whether you are a recent high school graduate or a mid-career professional, an apprenticeship is worth strong consideration.

In our upcoming blog series, we will explore apprenticeship intermediaries - organizations that help facilitate these programs. Stay tuned to learn about the value they provide both apprentices and employers!