Canada is facing a shortage of skilled cyber security workers, and a new report from Upskill Canada and Deloitte found that Canada’s cyber sector is growing rapidly, with total employment in the cyber security sector close to 139,000 in 2022, representing a 12.2% increase from the previous year.
Lighthouse Labs is on the ground trying to fill this shortage and today announced the launch of a new program for its Cyber Security Bootcamp powered by Upskill Canada.
The intensive and immersive 12-week Cyber Security Bootcamp from Lighthouse Labs will transform passionate and driven working professionals that have at least three years of relevant industry experience into cyber professionals, while also helping organizations foster a more dynamic and inclusive workforce.
The program will help to upskill 350 workers with the cyber security skills needed to have a thriving career in the cyber security sector.
“The number of cyber attacks and incidents in Canada has been unprecedented, and as a result, the industry need for skilled cyber security professionals is at an all-time high,” said Jeremy Shaki, CEO of Lighthouse Labs.
“Many businesses face challenges recruiting and retaining cyber security workers. The Lighthouse Labs Cyber Security Bootcamp, powered by Upskill Canada, will enable businesses to take advantage of untapped talent, and incentivize professionals to learn the skills needed to transition to a job in cyber security. Through this national talent platform, we’re helping fast-growing companies access the talent they need while creating new pathways for workers to transition into high-demand roles.”
Findings from the Deloitte and Upskill Canada report showed that organizations face challenges recruiting cyber security staff due to the diverse range of responsibilities, educational backgrounds, skills, experience levels, and certifications that professionals in this field possess.
While technical skills are critical, it’s essential for cyber security workers to have practical knowledge such as critical thinking, management, and troubleshooting.
The Lighthouse Labs Cyber Security Bootcamp, powered by Upskill Canada, is ideally suited to workers who possess this necessary practical knowledge and it will provide the supplemental technical knowledge needed to have a thriving career in cyber security.
Topics covered include server administration, network security, threat modelling and analysis, incident response and more. Students will also have access to on-demand mentorship from industry experts in addition to the full support of Lighthouse Labs’ Student Success Coordinators and Career Services team.
Supported by funding from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s (ISED) Upskilling for Industry Initiative, more than 15,000 Canadian workers will benefit from an innovative approach to skills training.
The program is part of the first wave of partnership agreements that are taking an industry-oriented approach to supporting Canadian workers. These agreements will help thousands of workers find new careers through skills training and job placement in some of the fastest-growing industries in Canada, while also ensuring a dynamic workforce capable of driving innovation and addressing the cyber security sector’s evolving challenges.