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Virginia Launches Cybertraining Initiative for Veterans

During a Veteran’s Day ceremony, the governor announced Cyber Vets Virginia, a training-based initiative focused on filling the state’s some 17,000 vacant technology jobs.

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe used the backdrop of Veteran’s Day to unveil an initiative geared toward training and employing military service members in cybersecurity and technology: Cyber Vets Virginia is a training-based initiative focused on filling the approximately 17,000 vacant cyber-related jobs in the state. 

“I am also pleased to launch Cyber Vets Virginia to help our veterans build the skill sets they need to be successful in the new Virginia economy. Our veteran community is extremely well-suited to help close the workforce gap in this growing industry,” he said in a press release. “We will continue to work with our partners and the private sector to build innovative pathways for job training and career development for veterans in Virginia.”

The Cyber Vets program leverages partnerships with industry leaders like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco and international nonprofit membership association ISC2, as well as the veteran-focused group Onward to Opportunity to provide no-cost technology training to residents of the commonwealth.

“Our veterans have the talent, knowledge, skills and abilities that translate well to nearly every industry in the commonwealth," Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs John Harvey said in the release. "With the launch of Cyber Vets Virginia, the governor continues to demonstrate his commitment to ensuring that our veterans have high-quality employment and educational opportunities. They deserve nothing less."

The program also offers resources and information for jobseekers though CyberJobs.virginia.gov.

“Cybersecurity is a key pillar in the new Virginia economy, and filling the cyberworkforce pipeline is critical to sustaining long-term industry growth in the future,” Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson said. “The launch of both the pilot program Cyber Vets Virginia and the Cyber Jobs Portal underscores our commitment to cybersecurity and our desire for our veterans to be part of the New Virginia cyberworkforce.”

Eyragon Eidam is the web editor for Government Technology magazine, after previously serving as assistant news editor and covering such topics as legislation, social media and public safety. He can be reached at eeidam@erepublic.com.