Originally published in Denver Business Journal
By Scott Laband
Cybercrime and online terrorism are among the greatest threats facing our nation. Just recently, hackers took down some of the world’s largest websites in a massive denial-of-service attack that swamped the Internet in large sections of the country.
As someone deeply involved in education policy, I have to ask: Why aren’t more students entering cyber security training programs? More than 200,000 cyber security positions presently are unfilled in the U.S.; employment ads in the field have increased by almost 75 percent in five years; entry-level jobs have become particularly difficult to fill.
Unfortunately, the cost for private training certifications often is too high. And this has lead to employment deficiencies in many areas, most notably, perhaps, in cyber security.
The expansion of micro-credentialing could cut the expense. Micro-credentials are proofs of competency showing that a skill has been mastered, and linking to a graduate’s online portfolio to show hands-on talent.
Healthcare, technology, construction, manufacturing and engineering have similar needs and could also benefit from micro-credentials.
So-called “middle-skill” jobs in these fields make up almost half of all jobs in Colorado. And, while they require education beyond high school, such as an industry credential, they don’t typically require an expensive four-year degree.
Locally, many organizations are experimenting with innovative approaches to address the problem.
In the St. Vrain Valley School District, for example, students can earn Apple certifications to repair the company’s products. And P-TECH schools in Adams 12, St. Vrain, and Falcon 49 school districts are offering industry credentials and an associate’s degree for students who are still in high school.
The Colorado Legislature also approved a pilot program that rewards school districts when students earn an in-demand industry credential or participate in a high-quality on-the-job training program.
This move was followed by the release of a Colorado Workforce Development Council publication, the 2016 Colorado Talent Pipeline Report, which called for the state to foster talent development further by creating a strong foundation for youth apprenticeships and streamlining credentialing regulations.
More work needs to be done, in both the public and private sectors. Kudos, by the way, to the Lumina Foundation’s recent plan to create a common set of credentialing standards.
Perceptions of career and technical education (CTE) also must change. Many people continue to regard CTE exclusively as a place for academic underperformers, or for those entering older professions, such as auto mechanics, or hair styling. Yet, students with greater exposure to CTE are more likely to graduate from high school, enroll in higher education, be employed, and earn higher wages.
Increasing access to all post-secondary options remains key. By 2020, 74 percent of the jobs in Colorado will require some education or training beyond high school and micro-credentialing creates a valuable pathway to reaching them.
Equally relevant, however, is that students receive more opportunities to gain workforce experience and test out career pathways during high school. Job shadows, internships, apprenticeships and other work-based learning experiences are all needed to expose students to different possibilities, spark inspiration, and develop real-world skills.
The addition of credentialing to our education system will help improve its ability to function as a knowledge highway for students, providing on-ramps and off-ramps that allow students to continue building on their education and professional experiences.
In many ways, this work is just starting. But, fortunately, both business and education leaders in Colorado understand the need to align the way we prepare our kids for the ever-evolving and ever-challenging jobs of the future.
Scott Laband is president of Colorado Succeeds, a Denver-based, non-profit think-tank that focuses on education and business issues.