Cyber Ready Workforce Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 26, 2026
Bottom line
The Cyber Ready Workforce Act aims to address the national cybersecurity workforce shortage by funding the expansion of registered apprenticeship programs, providing structured pathways for individuals to gain industry-recognized skills and certifications.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a competitive grant program within the Department of Labor to fund workforce intermediaries. These intermediaries will use the grants to create, implement, and expand registered apprenticeship programs focused on cybersecurity, including technical instruction, workplace training, and industry-recognized certifications. The bill specifies eligible certifications and target occupations, and outlines how grant funds must be used to support both program development and apprentices.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill directly addresses a critical national security and economic vulnerability by building a skilled cybersecurity workforce through proven apprenticeship models. They contend it will create accessible career pathways, especially for underrepresented populations, while ensuring training aligns with industry needs through specific certifications and frameworks like NICE.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the goal is laudable, establishing a new grant program may duplicate existing efforts or add administrative overhead without guaranteeing efficient outcomes. Concerns could also be raised about the specific certifications listed, suggesting that a more flexible approach might better adapt to the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, or that the 'such sums as may be necessary' appropriation is too open-ended.
The bill is very concise and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for a thorough evaluation of its provisions and potential impacts.
Section 3(a)
Establishment of Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Grant Program
This section directs the Secretary of Labor to create a competitive grant program. These grants will be awarded to 'workforce intermediaries' to help them set up, run, and grow registered apprenticeship programs specifically in the field of cybersecurity. The goal is to expand the number of skilled cybersecurity professionals through structured training.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a dedicated federal grant program is essential to catalyze and scale cybersecurity apprenticeship initiatives, providing the necessary financial impetus for organizations to develop robust training pipelines.
Critics contend
Some might argue that existing workforce development programs could be leveraged or reformed to include cybersecurity apprenticeships, potentially making a new, separate grant program redundant or less efficient.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between creating a targeted, specialized program to address a specific workforce gap versus integrating cybersecurity training into broader, existing workforce development frameworks to avoid fragmentation.
Section 3(b)
Program Requirements and Industry Certifications
This section defines what constitutes an eligible cybersecurity apprenticeship program. It mandates that programs must include technical instruction, workplace training, and lead to industry-recognized certifications. It specifically lists several common cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+, CISSP) and requires programs to encourage 'stackable and portable credentials' leading to occupations like computer support specialists or security specialists.
Section 4(a)
Mandatory Grant Fund Utilization
This section dictates that at least 85% of grant funds must be used for core program activities. These include assisting employers with apprenticeship registration and technical issues, developing curricula aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, helping employers cover offsite training costs, and providing crucial support services to apprentices such as career counseling, mentorship, and assistance with transportation, housing, and childcare.