Grow with Us
Last updated on April 26, 2024In our CyberBC conversations with various Public Sector entities, it was identified that access to cybersecurity talent and resources was a significant challenge for organisations in B.C. Our discussions with individuals who were interested in a cybersecurity career identified that getting started and obtaining a start to their careers in cyber was a challenge for them.
It was with this that the Grow with Us (GwU) program was developed in spring 2023, under the CyberBC initiative. The program was developed to help bridge cybersecurity talent gap and increase cybersecurity capacity in the B.C. Public Sector. By providing entry level experience we believe that we can build an onramp for those interested in becoming cybersecurity professionals and this is the first step in addressing the challenge.
Grow with Us was officially launched as a pilot project in May 2023. The program started with an enhanced co-op initiative that builds on existing co-op programs offered by the Public Service Agency (PSA) and Ministry of Citizens’ Services’ Strategic Human Resources. These programs are geared to providing meaningful and engaging co-op experience for participants . Grow with Us has taken a cohort approach to build a team and community. We encourage the participants to learn about each other and develop as a team. Grow with Us is building a cohesive and clearly defined cybersecurity career path in the B.C. Public Service, and recruit from various diverse talent pools. These talent pools will include but are not limited to, recent graduates from technical and non-technical programs, employees within B.C. Government and seasoned professionals looking to change to a cybersecurity career path.
Grow with Us combines cybersecurity training and project-based experiences to create opportunities which allow participants to discover what Public Sector has to offer in the realm of cybersecurity careers.
Grow with Us Program Objectives:
- Bridge the Talent Gap: The program seeks to bridge the shortage of cybersecurity professionals by equipping students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and practical experience to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise.
- Career Development: Grow with Us aims to provide students interested in cybersecurity with valuable career development opportunities, allowing them to explore the field, gain hands-on experience, and build a strong foundation for their future careers.
- Promote BC Public Service as an Employer: By showcasing the B.C. Public Service as an attractive employer in the cybersecurity domain, the program aims to attract top talent and encourage students to consider career opportunities within the B.C. Public Service.
- Foster Intergenerational Bonding: Co-op programs encourage intergenerational bonding by promoting knowledge exchange, mentorship, and collaboration between individuals of varying ages. This fosters diverse perspectives, enhances workplace culture, and leads to lasting personal and professional relationships, enriching the overall work experience for all generations involved.
From Issue to Opportunity: The Issue
Senior Level Talent
Ministries increasingly need senior-level cybersecurity talent. The market for these specialized skills is very tight, and the current recruitment approach is well intended, however, the outcomes are often unsuccessful.
Succession Management
Staff in the BCPS' (limited) junior-level cybersecurity roles do not typically have the skills, knowledge, experience, or credentials to advance into more senior roles. Ministries do not often hire for junior roles because it takes too long to train and job profiles are not progressive.
Co-op Programming
While the current cybersecurity co-op initiative has demonstrated success, without dedicated resources the approach remains ad-hoc. There is an opportunity and necessity for internal resources that provide significant program and individual support.
Diversity in the BC Public Service
The OCIO is committed to supporting the Public Service Agency's goal of an increasingly diverse workforce with representation from underrepresented groups traditionally under-represented in the tech sector.
The Opportunity
British Columbia and the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) can demonstrate leadership with a human-centered, iterative approach to fostering cybersecurity talent and share solutions with Broader Public Sector and interjurisdictional partners.
Through the Grow with Us program, our objective is to create a cohesive and clearly defined cybersecurity career path in the B.C. Public Service, and recruit creatively from a diverse talent pool that includes:
- co-op students
- recent graduates from technical and non-technical programs
- individuals from underrepresented groups
- individuals with non-traditional transferable skills (including career transition from BCPS and other non-technical sectors)
- established cybersecurity professionals (current staff of the BCPS and BPS)