Reps. Stefanik, Lee introduce Cyber Ready Workforce Act

Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Susie Lee (D-NV) introduced a bill in the House this week that would direct the Department of Labor to award grants to businesses and organizations to develop apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity.

Through the Cyber Ready Workforce Act (H.R. 6791), the Secretary of Labor would award grants to workforce intermediaries to support the creation, implementation, and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity. Support services for apprentices may include career counseling, mentorship, and assistance with transportation, housing, and childcare costs.

“As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Emerging Threats and Capabilities, I have made strengthening our nation’s cybersecurity a top priority in Congress,” Stefanik said. “This bipartisan legislation will equip our workforce with the tools needed to improve cybersecurity capabilities in businesses and organizations across the country. This bill is critical for not only our workforce and economy but for our national security as well.”

By 2020, the United States is projected to experience a shortage of 5 million workers with postsecondary education or training, including vocational certificates and apprenticeship training, according to a recent study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education. Apprenticeships create pathways to good-paying careers and help meet the nation’s current workforce demands, including in fields such as cybersecurity.

A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Kevin Cramer (R-NV).