Governments nationwide are facing growing demand for cybersecurity talent amidst staffing shortages, with various strategies offering solutions — from outsourcing, to hiring in-house, to skilling alternative talent pools like people who are incarcerated.
CyberPath PA is one solution aimed at training talent for the future cyber workforce. Last week, Philadelphia Works received a $392,572 PAsmart grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) to launch this program, which will consist of a 14-week paid apprenticeship involving technical instruction. The goal is to train Pennsylvanians for careers as information security analysts.
Residents in the counties of Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Berks, and Chester will have an opportunity to participate in the program. Philadelphia Works will provide up to $2,500 to each apprenticeship to address potential participation barriers, including child care, transportation, industry certifications and accessibility accommodations.
Recruitment will happen via the ApprenticeshipPHL network and PA CareerLink® centers in the six aforementioned counties. The funding is part of the governor’s $6.6 million investment in workforce development.
The state is “investing in skills that pay the bills,” DLI Secretary Nancy A. Walker said in a statement: “CyberPath PA exemplifies the innovative, employer‑driven training our commonwealth needs.”
The program is slated to be submitted for state registration this fall, which would enable the first of its two cohorts to begin classroom instruction in April 2026. Participants would transition from classroom instruction to on-the-job training by July 2026, allowing the second cohort to begin classroom instruction.
The program will place apprentices with at least three employer partners in the state. The CyberPath PA apprenticeship will be sponsored by the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies, with the tech talent intermediary Apprenti.
CyberPath PA is a way to offer sustainable career opportunities to marginalized populations including women, veterans and people with disabilities, Philadelphia Works President and CEO H. Patrick Clancy said in a statement.
