Cyber Ready Workforce Act

Legislative Summary: Cyber Ready Workforce Act (H.R. 8110)

Overview

The Cyber Ready Workforce Act is a legislative proposal designed to address the cybersecurity skills gap in the United States. The bill seeks to increase the number of qualified cybersecurity professionals by establishing a competitive grant program that funds the creation, implementation, and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs.

By shifting the focus toward a "earn-while-you-learn" model, the bill aims to provide accessible pathways into high-demand tech roles through a combination of technical instruction, on-the-job training, and industry certifications.

Key Provisions

1. The Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Grant Program

The bill authorizes the Secretary of Labor to award competitive grants to workforce intermediaries. These intermediaries act as facilitators and can include:
* Businesses and industry organizations.
* Community-based organizations and nonprofits.
* State or local workforce boards.
* Postsecondary institutions and higher education entities.
* Joint labor-management partnerships.

2. Program Requirements

To be eligible for funding, apprenticeship programs must integrate three core components: technical instruction, workplace training, and industry-recognized certifications.

• Certification Standards: Programs must include recognized certifications such as CompTIA (A+, Network+, Security+), CISSP, Certified Ethical Hacker, or Microsoft certifications.
• Stackable Credentials: The bill encourages the use of "stackable and portable" credentials, allowing workers to build their qualifications over time.
• Target Occupations: Programs are intended to lead to roles such as cybersecurity support technicians, cloud computing architects, computer programmers, and security specialists.

3. Allocation of Funds

The bill mandates a specific split in how grant money must be spent:

Required Activities (Minimum 85% of funds):
* Registration: Completing the federal apprenticeship registration process and providing technical support to employers.
* Curriculum Development: Creating training standards based on the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (SP 800–181).
* Employer Support: Assisting employers with the costs of offsite training and course materials.
* Apprentice Support: Providing "wrap-around" services to ensure student success, including career counseling, mentorship, and financial assistance for transportation, housing, and childcare.

Allowable Activities (Maximum 15% of funds):
* Outreach: Marketing the apprenticeship model to schools and employers.
* Recruitment: Target outreach to underrepresented populations, including women, minorities, youth, and veterans.
* Collaboration: Coordinating with other intermediaries to share best practices and avoid duplicating efforts.

Who is Affected?

Procedural Status

• Introduced: March 26, 2026
• Current Status: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• Funding: The bill includes an authorization of appropriations, meaning it allows the government to spend "such sums as may be necessary" to implement the program.