ThriveDX, which claims to be the global leader in cybersecurity and digital skills training, continues its mission to reskill and upskill the global cybersecurity workforce with the launch of a Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program that will create job opportunities for diverse cyber talent at no-training cost.
This unique program, “made possible through strategic partnerships with non-profit organizations focusing on registered apprenticeships, aims to address the growing cybersecurity talent shortage while simultaneously enhancing workplace diversity across the sector.”
The Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program “provides companies a unique opportunity to build their cybersecurity capacity with highly skilled and properly trained individuals at little risk.”
Participants from a range of backgrounds who “possess the required aptitude are put through an intensive cybersecurity bootcamp which will be paid for by leveraging non-profit funds.”
At the end of training, participants will have the opportunity “to gain certifications and enter a one-year apprenticeship with one of ThriveDX’s partner organizations.”
Apprentices are paid a fair, but lower wage than other employees, “giving companies the benefit of obtaining talent at a reduced rate during their apprenticeship.”
To foster diversity, a majority of apprenticeship candidates “will hail from underrepresented and under-resourced communities, including veterans of the U.S. military.”
Dan Vigdor, Founder, Co-CEO and Executive Chairman at ThriveDX, said:
“We’re proud to be a partner in this initiative to bridge not only the cyber workforce gap, but the industry’s diversity shortage. Adding this apprenticeship opportunity further supports our learners who already benefit from our strong partnerships with educational entities, industry experts, and hiring partners.”
With escalating cyber threats and a persistent cyber skills gap, the ThriveDX Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program “offers a proactive, solution-oriented approach. Organizations can now leverage a more diverse workforce and build stronger cybersecurity resilience, all while increasing diversity and offering fair wage apprenticeships.”
Employers who wish to upskill or reskill current employees “will also have the opportunity to do so as part of this program.”
Roy Zur, CEO of ThriveDX Enterprise, said:
“This initiative is a game-changer for companies seeking to bolster their cybersecurity teams. Not only does this program allow organizations to reskill existing employees with the latest cybersecurity skills, but it also provides access to a sustainable talent pipeline of cybersecurity professionals from all backgrounds, including from underrepresented and under-resourced communities. Best of all, thanks to our strategic nonprofit partnerships, this solution comes with zero training costs and reduced hiring fees.”
Key features of the ThriveDX Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program include:
- Over 400 hours of hands-on training, adhering to globally recognized cybersecurity education frameworks such as the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
- 300+ Real-world simulations on a skills-based learning platform.
- An elective CompTIA Security and Exam Prep Course designed to prepare students for industry certification.
- Access to a network of job-ready, highly-trained cybersecurity talent.
Following their one-year apprenticeship, “a vast majority of apprentices are expected to be offered a full-time position with their respective partner company.”
ThriveDX boasts a nationwide 93% employment rate of those learners “who engage with its career coaching and support offerings.”
Desiree Young, Executive Vice President of Global Partnerships and Strategic Innovation at ThriveDX, said:
“By cultivating a new cybersecurity workforce, we’re actively reducing the global talent shortage and skills gap in our industry while promoting diversity. We offer participants a powerful launchpad into the cybersecurity field. We believe the opportunity this apprenticeship initiative and partnerships gives to those who are historically underserved, underrepresented, and under-resourced, coupled with a strong focus on supporting our veterans, will strengthen the cybersecurity industry as a whole.”