Federal Manager's Daily Report

Additional information from the CIO Council on the launch of the Federal Cybersecurity Reskilling Academy explains considerations for management regarding subordinates who participate—a likely sign of what is to come as that program expands, and also for other initiatives yet to come.

A pilot program recently announced aims to build up the government’s cybersecurity capabilities while also creating opportunities for employees to move into what the administration calls higher-value work. The CIO Council is accepting applications at CIO.gov through January 11 for an initial cadre to undergo training in the spring; while that group is to be limited to 25 employees who are not currently in IT jobs, another test is already planned for those who are, and wider expansion is likely to follow.

Newly posted information about the initiative addresses management-related issues including that supervisory approval will be required for employees to participate. “You and your supervisor should discuss the requirements for this program and ensure that you are able to fulfill the requirements. Each applicant is responsible for working with their supervisor to ensure compliance with each agency’s policies,” it says.

In approving an employee’s bid to join the program, a supervisor might consider the prospects that the impact will be that the employee moves on. Says the newly posted information, “Graduates will develop the necessary skills and certification to apply for cybersecurity positions at federal agencies. The program team will provide coaching and guidance to graduates to complete competitive applications for these positions.” Participants also “will receive career mentorship and soft skills guidance to help them prepare for re-deploying into the cybersecurity workforce.”