Sponsors (3)
The bill expands paid cybersecurity apprenticeships, credentials, employer pipelines, and supports—improving job readiness and access for many Americans—while creating fiscal costs, added administrative burdens, and risks that certification and partnership rules will favor larger providers and narrow program flexibility.
Tech workers and students gain paid cybersecurity apprenticeships with combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction, improving job readiness for high‑demand roles and immediate earning potential.
Students and apprentices can earn industry‑recognized, stackable credentials (e.g., CompTIA, other certifications), increasing portability of skills and prospects for career advancement.
Employers — especially small businesses — gain a stronger pipeline of qualified cybersecurity workers and financial help for offsite training and course materials, lowering hiring and training costs.
Taxpayers face increased federal spending and potential ongoing budgetary commitments due to new grant funding for cybersecurity apprenticeship programs.
The expansion of eligible intermediaries and curriculum/credential requirements increases administrative complexity and capacity demands for the Department of Labor, states, and local workforce agencies.
Very small employers and smaller or nontraditional training providers may be disadvantaged because partnership, certification, and capacity requirements favor larger organizations and established providers, limiting geographic and demographic reach.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Creates a DOL grant program funding workforce intermediaries to establish and expand registered cybersecurity apprenticeships with industry certifications and apprentice supports.
Introduced March 26, 2026 by Susie Lee · Last progress March 26, 2026
Creates a competitive Department of Labor grant program that funds workforce intermediaries to establish, expand, and operate registered apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity combining technical instruction, on-the-job training, and industry-recognized certifications. Grants must focus most funds on direct apprenticeship activities (at least 85%) such as apprenticeship registration, curriculum development aligned to the NIST NICE framework, employer technical support, certification training, and apprentice supports (career counseling, mentorship, and help with transportation, housing, and child care). Up to 15% may be used for outreach, recruitment, and coordination. The bill authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" but does not specify amounts, years, or deadlines.