The N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) and the Carolina Cyber Network (CCN) today announced the launch of a new internship program that will provide real-world cybersecurity experience to students enrolled in CCN member schools while expanding the state’s information technology workforce. NCDIT is partnering with Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) to offer the initial internships.
Starting with the upcoming fall semester, interns will work up to 25 hours a week in cybersecurity roles at NCDIT. These remote positions will focus on giving interns experiential learning opportunities in various aspects of cybersecurity and information technology.
"Cybersecurity is one of our state’s top priorities, and the Carolina Cyber Network is an outstanding partner in our efforts to nurture cyber talent and strengthen our cyberdefense capabilities," said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione. “We’re excited to establish this new program that will help us stay ahead of the rapidly evolving threat landscape while supporting important career pathways.”
"FTCC and the Carolina Cyber Network are proud to collaborate with NCDIT to provide student interns who will work in concert with NCDIT staff to help strengthen the state's cybersecurity posture," said FTCC President and CCN Executive Director Dr. Mark Sorrells. "The initiative will also serve to expand the talent pool available to our public and private employers to further safeguard critical information and resources essential to our national defense. Through this learn-and-earn opportunity, students will gain valuable work experience to prepare them for careers in cybersecurity."
"On-the-job training is key to success in the cybersecurity field," said State Chief Information Security Officer Bernice Russell-Bond. “This program will help students reinforce what they’re learning in the classroom in a practical setting while also filling a critical gap in the state’s workforce. It’s a win-win.”
As the leading provider of IT services to state agencies, local governments and educational institutions across North Carolina, NCDIT works closely with other state, local and federal partners to protect the state’s government IT systems, data and assets from cyberthreats.
The Carolina Cyber Network aims to build a job-ready workforce and improve cybersecurity resilience statewide. It is a collaborative effort among academia, industry and government to develop a robust talent pipeline through applied learning, work-based experiences and professional development.
View photos from the launch event on NCDIT’s Flickr account and video on YouTube.