Purdue Polytechnic Institute recognizes National Apprenticeship Week

West Lafayette, Ind. – Purdue University and Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program have announced that they will celebrate the U.S. Department of Labor’s sixth annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) through Saturday (Nov. 14).

NAW was established by the U.S. Department of Labor to celebrate the impact apprenticeships have on helping Americans learn skills for jobs in growing industries. Hundreds of NAW events and activities will take place across the country and include open houses, skill competitions, community forums, apprentice graduations, business open houses, high school and college career fairs, apprenticeship signing days, industry roundtable events, and more.

“Apprenticeship is a proven method for the workforce to obtain knowledge, technical skills and leadership skills that will enable them to pursue careers in cybersecurity,” said Gary Bertoline, dean of Purdue Polytechnic Institute. “We are proud to support National Apprenticeship Week and showcase the impact Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program has on the cyber skills gap in the U.S.”

Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program (P-CAP) was designed to fill an industry need of over 500,000 cybersecurity jobs (CyberSeek). In the program, a qualified apprentice works for an employer that pays for their online education while the apprentice gains paid industry experience and leadership skills. While in the program, apprentices may earn an associate degree in information technology, a Bachelor of Science degree in computer and information science, majoring in cybersecurity, or a Master of Science in cybersecurity and trusted systems. 

“As Indiana’s land-grant university, Purdue is charged with addressing human talent needs and relevant engagement with stakeholders,” said Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity. “The Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program represents the best of our land-grant mission as we continue to innovate in technology education to make a significant impact in our state, nation and world.”

With a focus on recruiting underrepresented minorities and women to the cyber field, Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program works with employers to design an apprenticeship that fits their needs to close the workforce gap. Apprentices will have opportunities to sit for various industry-recognized certifications, earn other specialty certificates, and earn a Purdue Leadership Academy certificate — all without accumulating student debt and while earning a paycheck.

“More than 150,000 employers and labor-management organizations benefit from apprenticeships, and 94% of apprentices retain employment after completing an apprenticeship program,” said Geanie Umberger, clinical professor for Purdue Polytechnic Institute and executive director of the Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program. “We are excited to highlight our unique program during National Apprenticeship Week.”

To learn more about Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program and how to participate in National Apprenticeship Week, visit purdue.edu/pcap.

Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program Proclamation

WHEREAS, Purdue University recognizes the urgent need to prepare and maintain a highly skilled workforce that is capable of meeting the demands of the industry we serve; and

WHEREAS, the United States currently faces a skills gap in the number of qualified workers to supply the needs across the cybersecurity industry; and

WHEREAS, apprenticeship programs are uniquely capable of providing the academic and work-based learning required to develop in-demand skills in conjunction with employment; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gary R. Bertoline, Dean and Distinguished Professor of Purdue Polytechnic Institute, call upon cybersecurity industry partners to recognize the value of apprenticeships and to promote industry awareness and expansion during the sixth anniversary of:

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK
Nov. 8, 2020, through Nov. 14, 2020

IN SUPPORT,

Gary R. Bertoline, PhD
Dean and Distinguished Professor
Purdue Polytechnic Institute

Jay T. Akridge, PhD
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Diversity
Purdue University

Geanie Umberger, PhD
Executive Director and Clinical Professor
Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program
purdue.edu/pcap

About National Apprenticeship Week

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a nationwide celebration that offers leaders in business, labor, education and other critical partners a chance to express their support of apprenticeship. NAW also gives apprenticeship partners the opportunity to showcase their programs, facilities, and apprentices in their community. The events highlight the benefits of preparing a highly skilled workforce to meet the talent needs of job creators across diverse industries. For more information, visit apprenticeship.gov/NAW.

About Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program

Purdue Cyber Apprenticeship Program (P-CAP) was developed in response to the federal government’s desire to fill an industry need of over 500,000 cybersecurity jobs (CyberSeek). A $12 million U.S. Department of Labor Education and Training Award granted to Purdue Polytechnic Institute has tasked Purdue University with providing a path to higher education, certifications and cybersecurity on-the-job-learning through apprenticeships to at least 5,000 students by 2023. For more information, visit purdue.edu/pcap.