Roundtable session discusses Nevada tech education programs and cybersecurity threats

Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) recently spearheaded a gathering of Nevada education personnel and tech companies to assess cybersecurity threats and legislation to address such circumstances.

“The security of our nation’s cyber infrastructure is put at serious risk without a robust, skilled cyber-workforce,” said Rosen, a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. “We met with a wide range of organizations here in Nevada to discuss ways we can work to develop cyber-protections that safeguard our economy and our national security.”

Rosen was joined by Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV), a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, in hosting the roundtable discussion with Nevada education leaders, students, and government organizations. They also outlined provisions of the Cyber Ready Workforce Act.

“Cybersecurity and a competent, prepared cyber workforce are critical to so many facets of everyday life, especially to our personal and national security,” Lee said. “From private businesses to governments, our digital interconnectedness has opened new opportunities, yet has exposed us to a new frontier of threats. This isn’t just about security, though. Diversifying our region’s economy has always been a top priority for generations of Nevada lawmakers and my and Sen. Rosen’s bipartisan, bicameral Cyber Ready Workforce Act is a bold effort in that direction. This bill is one of many initiatives in my fight for Nevadans’ education, security, and economic future and I will continue to champion efforts like these so long as I represent Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District.”

The bill directs the Department of Labor (DOL) to award grants to workforce intermediaries to support the creation, implementation, and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity.