Bill Overview
Title: Cyber Ready Workforce Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of Labor to award grants to workforce intermediaries (entities that facilitate the establishment of registered apprenticeship programs and that may partner with a business or community-based organization, or specified other partners) to support the establishment, implementation, and expansion of such programs in cybersecurity.
Sponsors: Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in or joining cybersecurity apprenticeship programs
Estimated Size: 150000
- The legislation is aimed at workforce intermediaries, which are entities that can establish registered apprenticeship programs.
- The bill will directly impact individuals who are part of or who will join these apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity.
- Cybersecurity is a growing field with global demand, so individuals worldwide could be impacted as these apprenticeship programs could serve as a model for other countries.
- Society will benefit from having a larger workforce ready to tackle cybersecurity challenges, which is an international concern.
Reasoning
- The policy is designed to support individuals joining or already participating in cybersecurity apprenticeship programs, so its benefits will be particularly apparent for those directly involved in tech-heavy careers or education pathways.
- While the policy primarily aims to support technical skills development, its indirect effects may also inspire increased interest in STEM fields among underrepresented groups due to the increased visibility of the field.
- The policy's impact will likely be felt most among younger populations or those actively seeking to transition careers, as they are more likely to engage with new apprenticeship programs.
- Individuals already in stable cybersecurity roles may see little direct benefit initially, as the policy focuses more on new entries to the field.
- Given the budget constraints, the policy might cover a substantial number of U.S. residents but will not be able to support every interested individual, thus impacting those who gain direct access to programs the most.
Simulated Interviews
Computer Science Student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the potential apprenticeships in cybersecurity because it's a field I'm interested in.
- These programs could really help students like me to get practical experience while still in school.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
IT Support Specialist (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this initiative is a great opportunity for someone like me to move up in my career.
- The increased focus on cybersecurity makes me feel more secure about my job stability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Data Analyst (Houston, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could make transitioning into cybersecurity much more feasible and enriching.
- Apprenticeships are needed to provide hands-on experience which is often lacking in online certifications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Freelance Web Developer (Denver, CO)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm considering these new apprenticeship programs seriously as a way to formalize my skills.
- This could open new doors for job security and advancement in cybersecurity, which is becoming critical.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
High School Graduate (New York, NY)
Age: 18 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing there are apprenticeships available makes me more interested in jumping straight into the workforce.
- It offers a more affordable and direct path to a career.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Network Security Manager (Chicago, IL)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While my role is fairly secure, I see these initiatives as important for developing the next wave of security professionals.
- Hopefully, this policy will also trickle-up to provide continuing education for established professionals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
HR Manager (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might make recruiting more straightforward, with more qualified applicants readily available.
- I think it improves our talent pipeline.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
High School Student (Miami, FL)
Age: 16 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Seeing these programs motivates me to seriously consider a future career in cybersecurity.
- Youth programs that give hands-on experience are really exciting to me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cybersecurity Consultant (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'd like to see more collaborative opportunities between private consultants and these programs.
- It opens the door for consultancy work and mentorship roles, expanding my business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Unemployed, Recently Completed Coding Bootcamp (Boston, MA)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With family commitments, structured apprenticeships offer a perfect balance to get into tech while still caring for my family.
- This policy can provide the stepping stone I need.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $525000000 (Low: $420000000, High: $630000000)
Year 3: $551250000 (Low: $441000000, High: $661500000)
Year 5: $604500000 (Low: $483600000, High: $725400000)
Year 10: $681215000 (Low: $544972000, High: $817458000)
Year 100: $1197097997 (Low: $957678397, High: $1436517596)
Key Considerations
- The rapid evolution of cybersecurity threats requires continuous updates of the training programs to remain relevant.
- The success of the program depends significantly on the partnerships and collaborations with local businesses and educational institutions.