Introducing Global Technology’s cyber apprenticeship
A new apprenticeship program offers a new approach to building the cyber talent pipeline.
by Shaun Marion, VP, Risk Management
Although many industries face labor shortages worldwide, cybersecurity has been hit disproportionately hard. With a worldwide gap of 3.4 million cybersecurity professionals, and cyber risks growing exponentially year over year, that gap will only continue to grow. While there are numerous aspects to a robust workforce strategy, I want to focus on one that is heavily underutilized and one that we are pursuing here at McDonald’s: apprenticeships.
In November, McDonald’s launched its first-ever registered cybersecurity apprenticeship program. The one-year program will provide on-the-job training for students completing their associate’s degree in cybersecurity at the City Colleges of Chicago. Apprentices, who will begin in June 2023, will work alongside McDonald’s employees for about 25 hours a week on critical cybersecurity projects, while attending about 12 hours of class a week. Once the apprentices complete their associate’s degree in cybersecurity, they’ll transition into an entry-level role within our team.
The program will pay a salary, offer tuition assistance, and provide a path forward for these talented individuals. Our program will be a crucial component of the Global Technology workforce strategy that will differentiate McDonald’s as a place where cybersecurity professionals want to work.
Why an apprenticeship program?
For years, apprenticeships have served primarily as a path forward in various trade industries (carpentry, machinists, etc.). They provide good-paying jobs and long-lasting careers for many. However, in technology, apprenticeships can be overlooked and underutilized.
While universities offer a valuable service and will continue to play a vital role in our workforce strategy, the truth is that there is simply no way traditional higher education can keep up with demand. In addition, whether socioeconomic, lifestyle, or any other relevant factors, a four-year college degree may not be attainable or even accessible for many. That means an entire group of competent, extremely capable, and highly ambitious individuals from numerous diverse backgrounds can be overlooked. All they need is a small chance to make a big difference.
Here at McDonald’s, yes, some roles require a four-year college degree, and some will require significant experience. But with our Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program, we are removing the requirement of a college degree for certain roles and focusing on attitude and aptitude as key differentiators in our candidate selection process.
Building an apprenticeship
Before we can build a successful apprenticeship program, let’s understand a few key components. While certainly not an exhaustive list, at a minimum, this is a start and will get you pointed in the right direction.
First, a successful program must pay a salary consistent with junior positions in technology. It must be mutually beneficial for the company and the individual.
Second, the program must provide time for both on-the-job training and education at a formal institution. Yes, I said a four-year college degree is not for all, and I still believe that. However, there are great programs operated through the ecosystem of community colleges that provide an alternative. They offer affordable options for many and can be tailored to focus on the skills required for the apprentice and the company — I highly encourage you to reach out to your local community college and start a dialogue.
Last, the program must provide a path to full-time employment. Note that I did not say they must guarantee employment — just as with any job, the onus is on the individual to prove they are a value-add for the company, the team, and the individual role. However, if those are met, the program must provide a path to full employment. Again, a mature apprenticeship program is mutually beneficial for both the apprentice and the company. We need to make sure candidates have a way forward and feel safe that their investment will pay off.
We’ve had success with other apprenticeship programs in Technology. Recently, we had two apprentices in our UK office graduate our program, and they were hired on full-time. I’m excited to build on this success with our first-ever apprenticeship program in cybersecurity.
