A new project aims to create pathways and opportunities in the cybersecurity and hardware security fields for military veterans. To address the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals in Georgia and Florida and diversify the workforce in the semiconductor and microelectronic fields, the VETS-CYBER program will offer hands-on training and experience for participating veterans.
The project, titled “VETS-Cyber: Veterans Career Advancement through NICE Framework-Based Cybersecurity Training and Education” is funded by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It’s led by PI Dr. Rui Guo and Co-PIs Dr. Swarup Bhunia, Dr. Sandip Ray, and Dr. Wanli Xing, all members of the Warren B. Nelms Institute.
The primary objective of VETS-CYBER is to establish a collaborative cybersecurity alliance that fosters career awareness and advancement opportunities for veterans in Georgia and North Florida, leveraging the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework. The project involves a collaboration among the University of Florida (UF), veterans service non-profits including Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center (VECTR) and Veterans Florida, and industry partners in Georgia and North Florida.
The program framework is designed around the concept of apprenticeship, which combines practical, on-the-job training with formal education, allowing participants to learn by doing and tutoring from industrial mentors simultaneously. Ultimately, this model benefits both the individuals and the cybersecurity field at large, fostering a continuous cycle of learning, practice, and professional growth, making it a strategic approach for the program.
VETS-CYBER aims to engage over 10,000 veterans in Georgia and North Florida for this project, raising their awareness of and interest in cybersecurity and hardware security professions. It represents an initiative to harness the potential of veterans, addressing critical workforce needs while supporting their transition to rewarding civilian careers. VETS-CYBER is poised to make a substantial impact on the cybersecurity landscape and veteran community.