WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 8110

Cyber Ready Workforce Act

119th Congress Introduced by Brian Fitzpatrick and 2 co-sponsors

Establishes federal grants to intermediaries to create and expand cybersecurity registered apprenticeships with industry certifications and portable credentials.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8110

Purpose and basic goal

  • HR 8110, titled the Cyber Ready Workforce Act, would establish a grant program within the Department of Labor to support the creation, implementation, and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity.
  • The program aims to develop a skilled cybersecurity workforce through industry-relevant apprenticeships that combine technical instruction, hands-on work experience, and recognized certifications.

Key provisions

  • Definitions (Sec. 2)

    • Registered apprenticeship program: A program registered under the National Apprenticeship Act (29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
    • Workforce intermediary: An entity that helps establish apprenticeship programs and may be a partnership among businesses, community organizations, state/local boards, higher education institutions, nonprofit groups, and other eligible partners (including joint labor-management partnerships and IHEs).

  • Cybersecurity apprenticeship grant program (Sec. 3)

    • The Secretary of Labor would award competitive grants to workforce intermediaries to support cybersecurity apprenticeship programs.
    • Eligible programs must include: technical instruction, workplace training, and industry-recognized certifications in cybersecurity.
    • Accepted certifications include: CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, Microsoft certifications (e.g., Windows 10 Technician, MCP/MCSE equivalents), Certified Network Defender, Certified Ethical Hacker, ISACA Cybersecurity Nexus (CSX), (ISC)² CISSP, or other industry-recognized cybersecurity credentials.
    • Programs should promote stackable and portable credentials.
    • Target occupations for graduates include roles such as computer support specialists, cybersecurity support technicians, cloud computing architects, computer programmers, computer systems analysts, and security specialists.

  • Use of funds (Sec. 4)

    • Required activities (minimum 85% of grant funds):
    • Development and technical support: Complete the apprenticeship registration process with the Department of Labor and assist employers with logistical/technical issues.
    • Employer partnerships: Develop curricula and instruction with local employers, referencing NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (NIST SP 800-181) to align skills and standards; offsite training costs; connect employers with education/providers to supplement on-the-job learning.
    • Apprentice support services: Career counseling, mentorship, and assistance with transportation, housing, child care, etc.
    • Allowable activities (up to 15% of grant funds):
    • Outreach and marketing to recruit apprentices (including secondary school students, underrepresented groups, youth, veterans).
    • Activities to minimize duplication and share best practices, and to disseminate training resources created with grant funds.
    • Emphasis on alignment with NICE Framework to ensure industry relevance.

  • Authorization of appropriations (Sec. 5)

    • The bill authorizes such sums as may be necessary to carry out the act (i.e., no specific dollar cap provided in the text).

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: prospective cybersecurity apprentices and employers/industry partners who participate in cybersecurity apprenticeship programs.
  • Workforce intermediaries (organizations that would apply for and administer the grants) including:
    • Businesses, industry groups, community-based organizations, state/local workforce boards, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and joint labor-management partnerships.
  • Education and training providers collaborating with employers to deliver technical instruction and on-the-job training.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced in the House on March 26, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce.
  • Substantive timeline:
    • The act contemplates a competitive grant process administered by the Secretary of Labor, with ongoing use of funds to establish, implement, and expand cybersecurity apprenticeship programs.
    • No explicit start date, grant period lengths, or renewal provisions are included in the text.
  • Oversight and framework alignment:
    • Programs must reference the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (NICE SP 800-181) for skill alignment.
    • Emphasis on coordination with existing federal investments to avoid duplication and promote resource sharing.

Potential impact (summary)

  • Could scale up cybersecurity apprenticeship opportunities by providing dedicated federal grants to intermediaries.
  • Promotes industry-recognized certifications and portable credentials, potentially increasing employability and earning potential for graduates.
  • Encourages collaboration among employers, educators, and community organizations to build a standardized, industry-aligned pipeline into cybersecurity roles.
  • May improve nationwide cybersecurity readiness by expanding the registered apprenticeship model into high-demand tech fields.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.