TSTC Cyber Security Center of Excellence training the future of industry

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – According to website cyberseek.org, there is a dangerous shortage of cybersecurity workers with more than 100,000 job openings, with about 24,000 of those jobs available in Texas.

TSTC Cyber Security lead instructor Cesar Ibarra said the supply of skilled cybersecurity workers is low in Texas and as a Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency Center of Excellence, one of the few in the state, they are working to fill the demand and meet industry need.

Ibarra added that TSTC Cyber Security has a 97 percent job placement and explains what instructors do within the program to provide this success for its students.

What is the length of the program?

Cyber Security is a two-year program.

What certificates and/or associate degrees are offered?

When a student successfully completes the program’s courses they will earn an Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security.

What skills do you learn in Cyber Security?

In Cyber Security students will learn technical skills such as network design, security assessment, network operation and maintenance, network analysis and security provisions. In addition, students will also learn soft skills important to recruiters and companies such as teamwork, communication skills and customer service. Cyber Security instructor’s ultimate goal is to help students gain confidence in their skills.

What type of technology is used to teach these skills?

Students in Cyber Security will have access to five labs equipped with industry standard equipment that resembles security operation centers with servers and artificial intelligence. Student will also be able to use technologies that follow current trends in cybersecurity.

How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?

In Cyber Security students will learn the skills needed to hit the ground running when they enter the workforce. The program brings industry training and experience into the classroom through hands-on training and learning outcomes that correspond to industry standards.

What kind of positions can a graduate from this program obtain and where can they work?

Graduates from this program have an array of options from small to medium businesses, financial and education institutions to federal, state and local government and Fortune 100 to 500 companies and in Texas, depending on the city, a starting salary can range from $25,000 to $45,000 a year.