This bill establishes cybersecurity apprenticeship and training pilot programs for the federal government, veterans, and military spouses to address the national shortage of qualified cybersecurity personnel.
Margaret "Maggie" Hassan
Senator
NH
The Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act aims to address the national shortage of cybersecurity professionals by establishing two pilot programs focused on training and apprenticeships within the Department of Homeland Security. These initiatives prioritize the recruitment of veterans, military spouses, and underrepresented communities to build a sustainable pipeline for federal cyber roles. Additionally, the bill extends the deadline for federal agencies to complete critical cybersecurity workforce assessments through 2028.
Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion Act Creates New Tech Apprenticeships and Veteran Training Pipelines
The federal government is looking to fix its massive cybersecurity talent gap by launching two major pilot programs designed to turn regular citizens, veterans, and military spouses into high-tech defenders. With roughly 500,000 cyber jobs sitting empty nationwide, this bill moves away from traditional four-year degree requirements and toward hands-on, 'earn-while-you-learn' models. It sets a three-year deadline for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to get these programs off the ground, focusing on practical skills rather than just classroom theory.
The Cyber Apprenticeship Track
DHS is tasked with creating a cybersecurity apprenticeship pilot that hires up to 25 people every year. Think of this like a trade apprenticeship but for coding and network defense. You get hired into a federal cyber position, receive training that meets national standards, and earn at least one recognized professional credential. However, there is a 'give-back' rule: under Section 4, if you complete the program and the government offers you a job, you must work for a federal agency for a period equal to your apprenticeship length. If you decide to jump to a high-paying private sector job instead, you'll have to pay back the cost of your training, though the bill allows for waivers in cases of extreme hardship.
New Doors for Veterans and Spouses
Section 5 of the bill focuses on the military community, offering cybersecurity training at no cost to veterans and military spouses. This isn't just a basic seminar; the program must include coursework that counts toward college credit, virtual learning, and 'work-based' opportunities where you get actual experience. The bill specifically tells DHS to work with the VA to make sure you can still use your GI Bill benefits while participating. For a military spouse who moves frequently, this program aims to provide a portable, high-demand skill set that works in both the federal government and the private sector.
Implementation and Long-Term Goals
To make sure this isn't just another bureaucratic exercise, the bill requires annual reports on who is getting hired and whether they’re actually staying in their jobs. It also pushes the deadline for all federal agencies to finish their 'cybersecurity workforce assessments' out to 2028, giving them more time to figure out exactly where their security holes are. While the pilot programs are currently set to sunset after five years, the goal is to create a proven blueprint that can be scaled up to finally fill those 500,000 empty desks across the country.