DHS Cybersecurity On-the-Job Training Program Act
The DHS Cybersecurity On-the-Job Training Program Act would create a voluntary, DHS-wide program to re-train Department of Homeland Security employees who are not currently in cybersecurity roles to work on cybersecurity matters within the department. Led by a Director and advised by the Under Secretary for Management, the program would develop a curriculum aligned with established cybersecurity education frameworks (notably the NICE Framework) and incorporate multiple training methods, including distance learning, in-person instruction, and on-the-job training under experienced staff. It would also set participation criteria and ensure appropriate NICE framework coding for cybersecurity positions. The bill requires annual reporting for seven years to Congress on program participation, job placement of trained employees, and program metrics. The Under Secretary for Management would support recruitment, implement participation policies, and conduct outreach to program graduates about internal cybersecurity job opportunities. A clerical amendment would insert the new program into the Homeland Security Act’s table of contents as Sec. 2220F.
Key Points
- 1Establishes a voluntary DHS Cybersecurity On-the-Job Training Program to re-skill DHS employees not in cybersecurity positions for work related to cybersecurity.
- 2The Director (in consultation with the Under Secretary for Management) would design a curriculum (integrating existing programs and aligned to the NICE framework), define participation criteria, and deliver training to DHS staff (with possible expansion to other federal employees).
- 3Training modalities may include distance learning, in-classroom instruction, on-the-job instruction, and other appropriate methods.
- 4Requires annual reporting for seven years to Congress detailing participant numbers, job placement, program metrics (including potential skill inventories), and copies of related reports from sub-sections (c)(1) and other duties.
- 5The Under Secretary for Management must report on cybersecurity position vacancies, support recruitment into the program, implement participation policies, and connect graduates with cybersecurity opportunities within DHS.
- 6Administrative change adds Sec. 2220F, DHS Cybersecurity On-the-Job Training Program, to the Homeland Security Act.