Today, July 7, Fayetteville Technical Community College faculty, staff and students were joined by North Carolina Department of Information Technology leaders to announce a transformative partnership aimed at addressing the state’s critical cybersecurity workforce shortage.

Carolina Cyber Network (CCN) was established about four years ago through a partnership with Fayetteville Tech and Montreat College. Since its introduction CCN has grown to represent 23 two and four-year colleges and universities across North Carolina. At the start, the program reported about 680 students in dedicated cybersecurity programs in North Carolina. Now, that number has increased to over 4000.

This partnership between CCN and NCDIT will provide real-world internship and apprenticeship opportunities for students preparing to enter the field of cybersecurity. The initiative aims to address the state’s ongoing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals. Currently, there are approximately 16,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions in the state.

“Our partnership with the North Carolina Department of Information Technology represents a bold step forward in securing our state’s future. This collaboration spans institutions all across North Carolina. It's not just for Fayetteville Tech, but it's for students from all 23 of our member institutions, and it spans the entire state from west to east, and it empowers future ready students to strengthen the state cybersecurity posture against evolving threats. Under the visionary leadership of the Secretary of DIT this transformative idea is becoming a reality, positioning North Carolina as the leader in cybersecurity workforce development and cyber risk litigation,” shared FTCC President Mark Sorrells.
Through the new program, interns will work up to 25 hours a week in cybersecurity roles at NCDIT. 

N.C. Department of Information Technology Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione emphasized the importance of developing a skilled workforce to fill these roles in this ever-changing industry. 

“I want to hire every single one of the students that come out of the Carolina Cyber Network. I want to make sure that we're giving the opportunity that they need, not only for real world experience, but a real job at the end, because that's what matters. That is going to make the difference in our state,” remarked Piccione.

State Chief Information Security Officer Bernice Russell-Bond echoed Piccione’s enthusiasm for the new partnership, speaking on the win-win nature of the program for both students and the state. 

“Having a skilled, well-trained pipeline is essential to our cybersecurity efforts. Every day there are new challenges, so you will not be bored,” Russell-Bond said, encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

The program is expected to launch in August. Initially, students enrolled in programs near Raleigh will be able to go in-person to work for the Department of Information Technology to build their skills. As the program expands, students across the state will be able to travel to Raleigh to work in person for training while completing the majority of their work virtually in a secure environment on their home campus. 

For more information about the Carolina Cyber Network and upcoming opportunities, visit the CCN website or contact your campus program manager.