Cybersecurity Training Program Expands To Prepare Arkansans For High-demand, High-paying Jobs

Key Facts

• Forge Institute announces next two cycles of its ACA Cyber Training Bootcamp, a program to accelerate the on-ramp of professionals into the cybersecurity field

• Participants will develop the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to be an effective Cyber Defense Analyst 

• Employers receive access to robust training program and State workforce development grants

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, October 8, 2020 - Today Forge Institute has announced the start dates of its next two ACA Cybersecurity Training Bootcamps. The Fall 2020 program starts on 10/19/20 and the Spring 2021 cycle begins on 01/20/21. Each bootcamp will provide the perfect on-ramp from an IT generalist position to a Cybersecurity Defense Analyst or SOC Analyst I position. This program is a fantastic way to on-board a new employee or upskill existing team members. Those interested in participating but don’t have an IT background may be eligible for the pre-bootcamp training “IT FUNDAMENTALS.” 

The rate of cybersecurity risks continues to increase. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, “Cybercrime damage costs are predicted to hit $6 trillion annually by 2021” and “there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs.” Further, “businesses are expected to fall victim to a ransomware attack every 11 seconds by 2021.” 

“Forge Institute is building robust capabilities to help organizations of all sizes and types better mitigate risks from these emerging and escalating threats. By offering professional development training, we are equipping Arkansans with the knowledge, skills and abilities to more effectively defend critical infrastructure against a wide range of cyber risks.” Lee Watson, CEO, Forge Institute

“After a successful inaugural program last spring, our team has refined the curriculum, onboarded additional instructors and enhanced our virtual delivery methodology. Together, these activities have enabled us to expand this unique and robust training program and support more participants across the state. As a veteran, I’m also thrilled that Forge Institute has been accepted by the US Department of Defense as an official partner of the SkillBridge program. SkillBridge is a unique method of supporting service members as they transition from service to employment in the private sector.” Scott Anderson, Executive Director of Forge Institute's ACA

"Being able to take current team members and allow them to add to their infosec and technical skills, it is hard to put a price tag on that for what it means to the company and for that employee and their long term career progress as an information security expert.” Adam Holland, Director, Cybersecurity Operations, GlaxoSmithKline  

“All the employers are very thrilled to have people who have been through great training and are prepared to hit the ground running. We know that there is a cyber shortage of talent and it is tough to get people to come into the state. We want to continue bringing growth and development opportunities to employees in the state through partnerships like the one with Forge Institute.” Lora Vaughn, Chief Information Security Officer, Simmons Bank

In addition to the solid training curriculum, the course meets the requirements of an apprenticeship program. Last year, the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences (ACDS) and Forge Institute established a formal partnership to support employers with a state-wide US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program for Cyber. ACDS manages the apprenticeship program while Forge Institute handles all the professional development training. 

The State of Arkansas is also a supporter of the program. “Recognizing the insatiable demand for a highly skilled technical workforce and the increasing threats posed by cyber adversaries, we have committed partial funding through our existing workforce development grant program for Arkansas employers.” Cody Waits, Director, Office of Skills Development, Arkansas Department of Commerce.

“This collaboration with Forge Institute and specifically the ACA Cyber Training Bootcamp is a key piece of developing the cyber talent pipeline and the crucial training component of our Registered Apprenticeship Program for Cyber. In addition, we have received over 800 applications and are able to fill the talent demands of Arkansas companies.” Bill Yoder, Executive Director, Arkansas Center for Data Science

Bootcamp participants will gain experience in a wide range of cybersecurity areas across 10 modules taught by subject matter experts and will gain offensive and defensive tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) in a simulated, virtual lab environment working individually and in teams to protect and defend systems and networks from cyber threats or attacks. Employers receive a detailed assessment of their participant(s) performance and can leverage the analysis in their workforce planning and training goals. 

Applications are now open and interested parties should visit https://www.forge.institute/aca-cyber-training-bootcamp to learn more and apply.  In addition, full or partial funding opportunities may exist for qualified applicants. Participants requiring funding assistance should contact our team for further details.