As cyber threats continue to grow and employers struggle to fill technology positions, Quinsigamond Community College is looking to expand a workforce program designed to help businesses develop cybersecurity talent from within.
The college is inviting employers across Central Massachusetts to partner in its Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Degree Program, an initiative that combines paid, on-the-job training with college coursework, allowing participants to earn a degree while gaining practical workplace experience.
The program is designed for both current employees looking to build new cybersecurity skills and newly hired workers entering the field. According to the college, apprentices complete their coursework while continuing to work, allowing employers to develop talent without significantly disrupting daily operations.
College officials say the program also can reduce training costs. Through the state’s MassEducate and MassReconnect programs, many participants qualify for tuition-free degrees, lowering or eliminating educational expenses for employers supporting their workforce.
“What sets QCC’s Cybersecurity Apprenticeship apart is its adaptability,” Project Manager of Apprenticeship Degree Initiatives Krista Piazza said in the announcement. “Many participants bring prior education, certifications or professional experience. Through prior learning assessment and competency alignment, we can often accelerate their path to graduation without compromising academic standards.”
According to the announcement, that flexibility can help employers shorten the time it takes to develop fully credentialed cybersecurity professionals while reducing onboarding and training gaps.
“This talent strategy results in a stronger, more loyal workforce pipeline developed in direct alignment with organizational needs,” Piazza said in the announcement.
QCC said it manages much of the program’s administration, including coordination, academic instruction and apprentice support, allowing participating employers to focus primarily on mentoring apprentices and integrating them into the workplace.
The initiative fits into the school’s efforts to help Central Massachusetts employers meet growing demand for skilled workers in high-demand industries.
