(Photo/University of Alabama in Huntsville)
By Troy Turner
Alabama’s colleges and universities with students and research in cybersecurity are hoping a new apprenticeship program announced last week by the War Department will bring enhanced attention and support to school centers teaching a field that continues to demand a larger skilled workforce.
“I tell my students that the wars of tomorrow will be fought in cyberspace, rather than in the field,” said Ragib Hasan, director of the UABSECRETLab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
“Cybersecurity is a huge career opportunity for Alabama students. Nationwide, there are hundreds of thousands of job openings in cybersecurity both at the government and private sectors. This new apprenticeship program will be an attractive pathway for our graduates,” he said.
RECRUITING A NEW WORKFORCE
The War Department has noticeably stepped up its efforts in recent months to promote technical and manufacturing education programs at technical/trade schools, community colleges and universities as it looks to strengthen the country’s workforce availability in almost every field such as shipbuilding, rocket and missile assembly, and now cybersecurity.
“This groundbreaking initiative represents a critical step in forging a new generation of elite cyber professionals dedicated to defending the nation’s digital frontlines and supporting the warfighter,” the latest announcement said. “The pilot is a 12-month paid program designed to rapidly develop and employ cyber professionals within the DoW.
“Apprentices will receive rigorous, competency-based education that blends online learning, immersive hands-on labs, and on-the-job training under the guidance of senior DoW mentors.
“Successful completion provides industry-recognized certifications and direct pathways into high-demand DoW civilian cyber roles, such as Cyber Defense Analysts and Incident Responders. These professionals will be on the front lines, ensuring the cybersecurity of DoW operations and the broader Defense Industrial Base.”
Meanwhile, the spotlight provided by the Pentagon is shared by Alabama’s cybersecurity-teaching programs, state experts said, as more students likely will learn of the field’s need, some of whom will choose to go beyond a certificate and perhaps earn a degree to improve their career path.
(Photo/UAB)
Both levels of training are important and urgent, UAB’s Hasan said.
“DoW is definitely on the right track. Note that this is an apprenticeship program, NOT a degree program,” he said. “That’s because in this field, things change rapidly and it is vital to prepare our workforce with hands-on training.
“The fast-paced approach DoW has taken will develop a workforce to build our cyber defense capabilities, which are vital in this post-AI world.”
Ragib Hasan/UAB
UAB’s SECuRE and Trustworthy computing Lab (SECRETLab) is dedicated to cutting-edge research on computer security, digital forensics and big data. It is one of more than a half dozen special centers or programs at Alabama higher ed entities that focus on research and development of cybersecurity, whether the emphasis is on commercial sectors such as banking and utility grids, or perhaps defense technology with the military.
“As the whole world depends more and more on cyber technology in critical infrastructure, finance, healthcare, hostile nations will and already have engaged in cyber warfare,” Hasan said. “To protect our nation, we must strengthen our cybersecurity capabilities of our defense.
“If you look at recent conflicts in many parts of the world, cyber warfare played a major role in both the attack and defense sites. Therefore, this effort is not only an important but also a timely step by our government.”
UAH AND THE ROCKET CITY’S ROLE
Tommy Morris, director of the Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, is in the heart of Alabama’s largest technical oasis in what is known as the Rocket City for Huntsville’s rich history and continued rapid growth in all things space and missile defense, but not just that.
Huntsville also is a mecca for numerous other technological research and development efforts, including quantum computing, directed energy, satellite communications, medical research and, yes, cybersecurity.
Morris believes the Pentagon’s interest in recruiting more participants in cybersecurity training, regardless of what level, will have a direct effect on Alabama’s educational programs, especially at schools such as UAH that already have close ties to the military.
“This program will definitely help UAH students. UAH has many degrees aligned to Department of War Defense Cyber Workforce Framework roles. Our graduates will be able to fill positions in the Defense Manpower Data Center Agency Pathway of the program,” he said. “Furthermore, UAH has the largest National Science Foundation CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program in the nation and our students regularly receive DoW Cyber Service Academy scholarships. Students who graduate from both of those programs will be able to fill positions in the DMDC pathway to complete their government service obligations.”
Tommy Morris/UAH
The UAH Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education operates a Cyber Force Incubator program to recruit and train students for cybersecurity careers.
“We help students get cybersecurity certificates, get security clearances, get experience, and get jobs. We will definitely help students target the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Program,” Morris said.
WHY THE MOST RECENT PUSH?
When asked why such programs initiated to spur new interest are becoming more important, Morris pointed to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) as immediate factors.
“The rapid rise of AI/ML has brought an increase in the cybersecurity threat. We need this program and others like it to keep highlighting the need and to keep filling the cybersecurity workforce pipeline,” he said. “No one program like this solves the problem on its own. Different programs reach different audiences. This one will certainly contribute positively.”
He also likes the diverse field of expertise the program offers to prospective candidates considering the cybersecurity field.
“I think the DoW is on the right track here. As a university professor, I of course want everyone to come to UAH for a cybersecurity degree, but that’s unrealistic. The Technical Specialist Pathway of this program reaches people who do not want to attend college and likely some that already have,” Morris said. “There is plenty of room and plenty of need for both pathways.”
Other schools in the state with some type of cybersecurity center focusing on the field include the University of South Alabama, Talladega College, Auburn University (McCrary Institute) and the University of Alabama (Alabama Cyber Institute); as well as several schools in the state’s community college system offering related programs.
(Photo/UAH)
The brief application window for the first round of applicants for the DOW’s apprenticeship program is open only until Friday (July 17). Interested candidates can learn more on USAJobs at: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/875318000.
For more information on the program and eligibility requirements, applicants can visit the DoW Cyber Apprenticeship Webpage or contact the program office at [email protected].
Troy Turner is the editor and senior consultant for AlaDefense.com. He can be reached at [email protected]. His bio can be found here.
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