NORTH EAST — Cecil College has joined the Maryland Cyber Workforce Accelerator Program, offering free training and certification in cyber security.
“This will build a workforce for this essential service,” said Dr Mary Way Bolt, President of Cecil College.
Along with 15 other community colleges in Maryland, Cecil College has a state of the art cyber range, which provides real time training in protection from hackers as well as recovery. It was a $1.8 million statewide investment.
“This combines theoretical training with real world knowledge,” said Adam Streight, Cecil County Executive. It’s an in demand job with some 30,000 openings currently.
“The reason this is so important to my administration is this is a home grown workforce,” Streight said, calling it “prosperity in a modern economy.”
Streight, a retired Cecil County Sheriff’s Deputy, said this is also another line of enforcement for the county.
“When we’re attacked by a foreign country it’s not going to be on our soil,” Streight said. “This is where they’re going to get us.” He pointed to recent cyber attacks in neighboring Annapolis and Baltimore City.
Bolt said this is the best equipment being used in the industry.
“The BCR Cyber Series 3000 Cyber Range simulates cyber-attacks and introduces students to cybersecurity concepts and operations,” Bolt said. “The BCR Cyber Series 3000 Cyber Range is the fourth iteration specifically designed for workforce development.”
Brad Phillips, Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, urged future students of these Cyber Workforce Accelerator programs to “go forth and make it work.”
“These skills are the modern currency of the workforce,” Phillips said.
Luke Gerhart from Elkton plans to be in that first CWA class in the fall.
“I heard about it from my professor,” the North East man said of James Morgan, a retired Cecil College professor. Although he is graduating from Cecil College in May he will continue his education with the CWA program at Cecil, which promises a starting salary of about $68,000.
“There are a lot of good paying jobs in cyber security,” Bolt said. “We need the talent to fight the attackers.”
“There is a significant need in Maryland for skilled IT and cybersecurity professionals. Cecil College plays a vital role not only in helping meet this need, but also helping to facilitate meaningful employment for jobseekers,” Bolt added. “We are excited about the launch of the cyber range at Cecil College and the opportunities it presents.”
