CyberHire
The Industry
Across San Diego County, cybersecurity jobs have grown at nearly quadruple the county’s average rate since 2018. The industry continues to require more talent than the region is currently able to provide, with only 66% of advertised jobs being filled. Cybersecurity occupations have high salary growth potential and no four-year degree requirement, making them some of the most promising, self-sustaining career pathways for low-income and underserved populations.
The Program
CyberHire is part of a broader effort supported by Breaking Barriers funding to provide career pathways in both information technology (IT) and construction for individuals with employment barriers. Specifically, CyberHire offers accessible, inclusive training in IT support and cybersecurity, with wraparound services and personalized case management to ensure success for each participant.
CyberHire partners with trusted community-based organizations—National Foundation for Autism Research (NFAR), Able-Disabled Advocacy (A-DA), and San Diego Futures Foundation (SDFF)—to deliver training designed to meet the needs of diverse and underserved populations, including youth, veterans and individuals with disabilities. The program also collaborates with four educational institutions: Continuing Education, City College, MiraCosta College, and National University.
Participants receive full funding to complete CompTIA industry certifications (A+, Network+, Security+, and CySA+), access paid work experiences, and get matched with local employers in IT support and cybersecurity roles.
The Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE) has teamed up with the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP) to help place participants in meaningful IT careers. CCOE plays a crucial role in connecting training with employment by working closely with local employers, matching workforce needs with talented individuals, and supporting participants as they start their careers in San Diego’s cybersecurity and IT fields.
Outcomes
CyberHire leads to real results:
- Industry certifications: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+
- Paid work experience: Up to 150 hours at $20/hour
- Direct job connections: Access to monthly employer hiring events
- Career placement: Support transitioning into roles with top employers like Deloitte, SDG&E, INDUS, and more
- Long-term mobility: Pathways into high-wage roles in networking, software development, and cybersecurity
CyberHire’s graduates are trained and supported to transition into living-wage roles with opportunities for advancement—without the need for a four-year degree.
Next Steps
To enroll in training, please reach out to NFAR or A-DA directly.
The Process
Following are the basic steps of this program from training to job placement assistance:
- Education – Receive your training from the National Foundation for Autism Research (NFAR) or Abled Disabled Advocacy (A-DA). Learn more about training opportunities at NFAR’s website here and A-DA’s website here.
- Certification – Your certification is covered by CyberHire. Certification exams are dependent on the training program you enter and complete with NFAR or A-DA.
- Placement – Our team will work with you to navigate our job readiness roadmap to ensure you are ready for employment in IT or cybersecurity. We partner with Cyber Center of Excellence’s network of employers based all over San Diego County to help you add industry-relevant experience to your resume.
Read about Raven’s experience with CyberHire:
This young professional was able to make a career change thanks to Cyberhire
Raven Antiquiera has always had a passion for technology but never considered turning
his hobby into a career. When he learned about our CyberHire program, Raven made the
decision, which he calls life-changing, to apply and obtain a desktop technician certificate.
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