Microsoft wants to hire more cybersecurity workers. To do so, the company announced a plan to partner with community colleges across the country, providing free resources to boost interest and engagement in the cybersecurity field.
Microsoft announced the measure on Thursday, Oct. 28. The company believes it can cut the United State’s workforce shortage in half by 2025, by issuing cybersecurity training to 250,000 people. That includes support at 150 community colleges, as well as providing scholarships for 25,000 students.
We think we can make a meaningful difference in solving half of the cybersecurity jobs shortage … we should be optimistic that in the next 12-24 months we can start to make a real dent.
Brad Smith, Microsoft President
Microsoft identified how many open positions there currently are in the cybersecurity field, and that they are high-paying jobs, $105,800 per year on average. It would benefit workers to fill these positions, but it would also benefit the country’s security interests.