South Carolina HBCU Consortium
- Sponsoring the Employer-Driven Registered Degree Apprenticeship Program for In-Demand Cybersecurity/IT Occupations
- A Collaborative Multi-Employer Multi-College Learn and Earn Model
The Employer-driven Registered Degree Apprenticeship Program sponsored by a consortium of South Carolina HBCUs is designed to address the cybersecurity/IT skills shortage and increase the diversity of the cybersecurity workforce. This is a collaborative effort between SC HBCUs (Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Denmark Technical College, South Carolina State University, and Voorhees University), employers, and Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
The cybersecurity/IT degree apprenticeship program is registered with DoL with one employer and one apprentice who has graduated and has accepted full time software engineer occupation with the employer. We look forward to more partnerships between employers and SC HBCUs that will result in the launching of a cohort with multiple apprentices in fall 2023. HBCUs are graduating high-caliber computer science/IT students eager to excel in their chosen careers. This is a unique opportunity for employers to build a pipeline of exceptional entry level candidates and mentor them with structured on-the-job training.
Proven and documented benefits to employers and apprentices include:
Employers
- Develop and grow a highly skilled cybersecurity/IT workforce pipeline.
- Increase retention, reduce staff turnover, and foster greater loyalty among employees.
- Create customized, flexible training solutions to meet employers’ unique needs.
- Retain institutional knowledge as experts near retirement age.
- Be considered for funding opportunities tied to registered apprenticeship.
Apprentices
- Earn while they learn with an increasing wage during the apprenticeship.
- Develop new skills in high-demand fields.
- Learn from a mentor who is an expert in the apprenticeship occupation.
- Begin a long-term career with little or no college debt.
- Earn a nationally recognized apprenticeship certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Dr. Nikunja Swain: swain@scsu.edu
Girish Seshagiri: girish.seshagiri@ishpi.net