The cybersecurity talent gap is widening, with U.S. employers posting over 514,000 jobs in the field, a 12% year-over-year increase. Despite this demand, only 14% of organizations feel they have the skilled talent needed to meet their security objectives. To address this critical shortage, YUPRO Placement, a mission-driven staffing firm, and NPower, a national nonprofit tech trainer, have partnered to deliver turnkey, skills-based apprenticeship programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for cybersecurity and cloud roles.
YUPRO Placement and NPower partner to launch DOL-registered apprenticeships for cybersecurity and cloud.
The program combines NPower's technical training with YUPRO's employer-of-record services.
Apprentices earn top certifications like CompTIA Security+ and AWS Cloud Practitioner.
Employers can host apprentices for on-the-job training with no administrative burden.
The model is designed to close the talent gap by creating a pipeline of job-ready, diverse talent.
It prepares individuals for roles like SOC Analyst, Security Analyst, and Cloud Administrator.
The partnership creates a seamless pathway for employers to access skilled cybersecurity talent without the traditional administrative hurdles. The program leverages NPower's 16-20 week, DOL-approved Tech Fundamentals curriculum, which provides front-loaded training in critical areas like managing threats, securing operating systems, and leveraging security tools. YUPRO Placement then acts as the apprenticeship intermediary and Employer of Record, handling all W2 employment, payroll, benefits, and compliance, allowing companies to focus on providing valuable on-the-job experience.
"Employers can't afford talent gaps in these high stakes roles. Now more than ever they realize the need for more skilled talent, but most don't have the infrastructure to launch and scale RAPs on their own," said Michelle Sims, CEO of YUPRO Placement. "They consistently cite staff time required to manage apprenticeship programs as a top barrier... We are building hiring models that remove roadblocks and open doors for employers and talent alike."
Apprentices in the program receive rigorous, hands-on instruction and graduate with industry-recognized certifications that are highly valued by employers. These include CompTIA Security+ and Linux+, as well as AWS Cloud Practitioner and AWS Solutions Architect – Associate certifications for cloud career paths. This training prepares them for immediate contribution in high-demand positions such as Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts, Security Analysts, and Cloud Support Technicians.
"This partnership with YUPRO Placement represents a vital step forward in closing the cybersecurity and cloud talent gap by combining rigorous technical training with accessible, scalable apprenticeship opportunities, while providing employers with a seamless pathway to onboard and grow new talent," says Bertina Ceccarelli, NPower's CEO.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to economic mobility and skills-based hiring. NPower has a track record of helping over 12,000 young adults and military-connected individuals launch tech careers. YUPRO Placement is dedicated to advancing opportunities for workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs). Together, they are scaling a workforce solution that addresses urgent business needs while tapping into diverse and often overlooked talent pools, creating a more resilient and capable cybersecurity workforce.
YUPRO Placement delivers skills-first contingent workforce hiring solutions that connect companies with job-ready talent and backs every placement with coaching and retention support that drives long-term performance. As a mission-driven placement firm and a Public Benefit Corporation, we partner with forward-thinking employers to build high-performing teams that stay, grow, and contribute from day one. The result: stronger business outcomes and a more resilient workforce. Build a workforce that stays at www.yupro.com.
NPower is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities in the technology sector for those who have traditionally faced barriers to entry. We provide free, comprehensive tech training programs for young adults and military-connected individuals from low-to-moderate income communities. More than 12,000 graduates have launched careers through NPower, with a goal of serving 15,000 annually by 2030.
TechIntelPro empowers B2B technology decision-makers with the latest industry trends, deep insights, leadership perspectives and actionable intelligence to drive both organizational and professional milestones—and thrive on the tech pulse.