One major goal of these transition assistance programs is to equip veterans with skills that are not only useful, but give their professional profiles added value. Training, therefore, focuses on the most promising and rapidly growing job sectors, including the IT and Cybersecurity field. Below is a list of some of the best IT and Cybersecurity training programs offered specifically to newly separated veterans. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it gives an idea of just how many promising opportunities there are for vets looking to begin a new and exciting chapter in their lives.
Cisco Global Cybersecurity Scholarship Program
According to Cisco, "as the volume and sophistication of cyberattacks rises, organizations are experiencing a significant shortage of IT professionals with cybersecurity skills." In response to the threat of an ever-widening skills gap that could put the world's information at risk, Cisco, the industry standard in networking solutions, has created a scholarship program offering free cybersecurity training to anyone who meets the requirements, one of which is "At least three years of combined experience in approved U.S. military job roles." More information here.
SplunkWork+ | Veterans
Splunk is a software that manages and analyzes big data. The SplunkWork+ elearning platform is available to veterans, current service members, and even spouses, at absolutely no charge. After completing a quick ID verification process, vets gain access to all of Splunk's online training and elearning courses. Companies all over the world use Splunk's services, and hire Splunk-proficient professionals to manage them. These free training courses are therefore invaluable to those looking to increase their chances of landing a cybersecurity job.
AWS Educate
As part of the White House Joining Forces initiative, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is offering its cloud computing e-learning platform, AWS Educate, free of charge to transitioning veterans, military personnel, and spouses. In addition, Amazon offers discounts on AWS memberships, and some may even qualify for reimbursement of certification exam fees. Watch a video to learn more about the program and the professional opportunities it promises here.
Hire Our Heroes
This not-for-profit organization has literally made it their mission to ensure that veterans transitioning out of the active duty military are able to launch successful civilian careers. They offer assistance in every aspect of career building, including professional training, resume and interview coaching, networking opportunities, mentoring, and informational sessions on how to maximize veteran benefits to obtain sought-after jobs. Learn how to get started here.
Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE)
The FedVTE is an elearning system focused on cybersecurity and offered for free exclusively to veterans and US government employees. It is run by the Department of Homeland Security, and "contains more than 800 hours of training on topics such as ethical hacking and surveillance, risk management, and malware analysis," according to the website. An added benefit of this platform is that many of its trainings actively prepare learners for other IT certifications, including Network + and Security +. Veterans can simply create an account here to gain free access.
Although the transition from active duty to civilian presents many challenges, the free programs detailed above aim to lessen the stress of such a major life change. If you are a veteran seeking advice on launching a new career, the field of IT and Cybersecurity offers countless promising opportunities, and as a result, a very bright future.