Howard Community College

Focusing on Job-Driven Cyber Technology Training Maryland is a national center of cybersecurity with over 130,000 information technology jobs—49 percent above the national average. Many of these jobs require advanced training, but not a four-year degree. Yet many potential workers, whether they are new to the workforce or changing careers, may not know where to get started in pursuing these careers. However, with federal grant funding from the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training competitive grant program, Howard Community College joins 13 other Maryland community colleges in the Cyber Technology Pathways Across Maryland Consortium, which will spearhead the expansion of career pathways to address workforce need by working to close the middle-skills gap and connecting more residents to high-quality employment. HCC will work in partnership with key employers in Howard County to develop training pathways for low-income workers with minimal prior education or experience in information technology or cybersecurity. To increase the likelihood of student success, participants will get upfront assessments, career planning, mentoring and coaching, and job search support. Students will have the opportunity to accelerate through a two-year degree that is aligned with National Security Agency guidelines for security and information assurance programs. "So many people are looking to enter the cyber career field, and with this program, HCC is able to help those individuals find the right fit, whether they are completely new to cyber, transitioning from another career field, or already working in a tech position and looking for advancement," explains Sharon Schmickley, dean of the business and computers division. "The resources available through the program make it possible to close the skills gap and connect individuals to employment in a growing and vital industry." community and build relationships," said Ward, who has an ongoing need to hire information technology engineers for her Elkridge-based corporation. "We have found and hired some great interns and employees as a result, but of equal importance is that we feel there is a lot of continuity between our goals and HCC's goals. We can help each other. We want them to think of us when students or other members of the community are job searching, and send those people our way." Marty Burns, co-owner of Visiting Angels, a network of franchised health care agencies that provide in-home care for seniors across the U.S., considers HCC to be his number one, most efficient resource for recruitment of certified nursing assistants. He has partnered with the college for over 10 years, participating in on-campus recruiting to educate students about job opportunities and recruit potential employees. Burns says that as his industry continues to grow, so does his need for properly trained, well- educated team members. "We know that when we come out to HCC, we are going to meet highly qualified people who are ready to work," said Burns. "We are often looking for people who have clinical skills, but also need our candidates to be very professional. For this reason, HCC has been one of our best recruitment resources." "We are serving as a link between students and members of our community who are looking for great opportunities, and the companies who are looking for great people," Tirpak said. "Some look at what we do and see that we are helping people make career decisions. But really, through providing support, guidance, mentoring, and coaching, we are doing something much bigger and much more personal. We are positively impacting people's lives." "So many people are looking to enter the cyber career field, and with this program HCC is able to help those individuals find the right fit..." Spring 2016 | Pathways 11

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