CALL FOR PARTICIPATION

RELAUNCH

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Contact: cerocevents@tntech.edu

The Cybersecurity Education, Research and Outreach Center (CEROC) at Tennessee Tech University conducted the Cyber Career Exploration (C2E) and Training for Transitioning Veterans program beginning September 22, 2022.  

Background:

The program seeks to assist members of the military transitioning from active duty to civilian life as well as active guard and reservists with initial training in cybersecurity topics.  Ideal candidates would have some background in information technology in a prior military occupational specialty (MOS) code.

This project seeks to expand the number of veterans, transitioning military, guard, and reservists entering the cybersecurity workforce pipeline. Tennessee Tech will create a set of activities to help veterans develop cybersecurity skills and be exposed to professional development, networking, mentoring, apprenticeship and job-placement opportunities. These activities are crucial in helping veterans’ transition into cybersecurity careers and increasing the numbers of veterans who pursue this field.

Program Goals:

1.       Provide a training opportunity for those that have honorably-served our country in the military services that will allow them to transition into the civilian cybersecurity community

2.       Provide a venue in which to introduce some concepts covered by the CompTIA Security+ and related certifications 

3.       Provide workforce development support for the growing employment demands of cybersecurity community in private industry and government areas

4.       Create opportunities within the veteran community to explore a career in cybersecurity while also promoting participation by under-represented populations

5.       Create a community of learner/mentors who can pay it forward to future transitioning veterans

Those selected to participate will receive the following benefits:

1.      Participation in the Cyber Career Exploration Bootcamp, a two day (2 x 4-hour webinars) to be held conducted via Zoom focusing on NIST Cybersecurity Workforce Framework roles in four industry sectors, C2E technology platform training (including remote access to the platform), certification discussions, and other employment topics

2.      Participation in a two-month, self-paced, virtual cybersecurity training exercise focusing in four industry areas {financial, healthcare, education, and energy} using the C2E technology platform

3.      Payment of a $650 stipend after completion of the training

4.      Membership for all program participants in the WiCyS organization allowing access to multiple benefits including the JobBoard++, webinar series, annual virtual career fair, veterans program, and other member forums.

Other Information

The top ten (10) participants who complete the virtual training program in the allotted two-month time period will receive a fully funded trip to the 2023 Women in Cybersecurity Conference in Denver, CO March 16–18, 2023 and participation in the national job fair at the event.

The exploration bootcamp was conducted via Zoom on September 22-23, 2022. 

After completion of the bootcamp, participants will have access to the C2E technology platform for a period of two months to complete self-paced training exercises in the four sectors mentioned above.  Participants will have access to trainers throughout the two-month training cycle via email, Discord and virtual meetings as required.