BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Labor on Tuesday announced that it is providing $1.8 million in funding to support the development of cyber ranges that will provide in-demand cybersecurity training to close a critical workforce gap.

The initiative is part of the state’s efforts to address a projected cybersecurity skills gap of over 30,000 vacancies in 2023.

The funding will be used to develop and expand cyber ranges, which are interactive, simulated platforms designed to provide hands-on, experiential learning in a secure environment. In collaboration with the Governor’s Workforce Development Board (GWDB) and the Department of Information Technology (DoIT), the state aims to support the development of innovative training programs that align with the skills necessary for cybersecurity roles.

“Employers want cyber professionals with hands-on experience. Cyber ranges can help provide that experience to complement the technical skills learned in the classroom,” said Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “Maryland will continue to invest in innovative approaches to cultivate top cyber talent while providing access to high-demand, high-growth jobs.”

To be eligible for funding, applicants will be required to demonstrate a strong understanding of how to engage with employer and industry partners in the development of cutting-edge cyber range scenarios.

Additionally, applicants are encouraged to develop partnerships with organizations to ensure that training opportunities are accessible to underrepresented groups in the cybersecurity industry, including women, people of color, and individuals with varying abilities.

The state is hopeful that this initiative will bolster the availability of skilled workers to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals and help to strengthen Maryland’s cybersecurity posture.

For more information on the Accelerating Cyber Careers program, including the Solicitation, visit labor.maryland.gov/employment/acc/.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

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