As cyber threats continue to rise, businesses must take proactive steps to safeguard their data and operations. Recognizing this urgent need, College of DuPage partnered with Forster Tool and Manufacturing (Bensenville, IL) to develop a Cyber Security Registered Apprenticeship Program. This innovative partnership equips companies with skilled cybersecurity talent while providing apprentices with hands-on experience in a high-demand field. Maureen Forster, President of Forster Tool, was seeking to invest in cyber security with the goals of protecting customer's information while also achieving Cyber Security Certifications that would allow Forster to further expand their customer base, such as NIST 800-171/CMMC Level 2.  “We soon realized that we were way over our heads and stretching ourselves thin trying to accomplish these cyber security milestones with our current staff. Our CIISP (Certified Information Systems Security Professionals) consultants suggested that we contact COD to discuss an apprenticeship program, they noted that the COD Cybersecurity department had a great reputation, and they have hired COD graduates in the past for their respective companies.  We had our apprentice, start with us just about a month after the process began and the impact she has had on our business in just the last half a year cannot be understated.”  

The need to protect your company’s data and systems is crucial, as cyber-attacks are becoming daily headlines.  From 2022-2023, cyber-attacks increased 15%, with 25% of attacks hitting manufacturing companies during 2023, according to the 2024 IBM Threat Intelligence Index.

College of DuPage is working with area employers to find a solution and fill the employment gaps.  Established in 2019, with roots in the manufacturing industry and tremendous expansion to other industries in recent years, the Project Hire-Ed Apprenticeship Program offers employers a pipeline to their future workforce, as well as an increase in employee retention and loyalty through apprenticeships.  Employers choosing apprenticeship can expect to see significant returns on their investment.  The average ROI of hiring an apprentice is 44.3%, meaning that every $100 an employer invests in a registered apprenticeship program generates $144.30 in total benefits, according to a US Employment and Training Association report evaluating the American Apprenticeship Initiative.   Apprenticeship was found to reduce turnover, improve company culture, and reduce downtime.  

Apprenticeships offer a strategic advantage for businesses looking to address workforce challenges while developing highly skilled employees. Through the Project Hire-Ed Apprenticeship Program, College of DuPage helps employers like Forster Tool create customized training pathways that align with industry needs. “Registered apprenticeships provide a proven model for businesses to recruit, train, and retain talent while ensuring employees gain hands-on experience and industry-recognized credentials,” said Danielle Kuglin Seago, Manager of Project Hire-Ed. “By partnering with employers, we help close critical workforce gaps and provide a sustainable solution for long-term growth.” 

When reflecting on the impact an apprentice has made on her business, Forster is thrilled with the return on investment thus far.  “Our apprentice has been a great addition to the culture of our team. She has been able to take on a hefty workload and has saved our company a ton of time, money, and headaches.  Our goal is to keep our apprentice here for the long term and to build a team around her once she feels comfortable with all aspects of the position. This pathway toward building a team internally and training in-house is one of the best benefits of the apprenticeship program. With her help, we have decreased the timeline to achieve our Cyber Security in half and we are hoping to be fully compliant by 2025 thanks to her contribution to this company.”  

Employers looking to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses while building a skilled workforce are encouraged to connect with Project Hire-Ed at College of DuPage. Discover how a Cyber Security Apprenticeship can provide your organization with the talent and protection it needs for the future. Contact Project Hire-Ed at project-hire-ed@cod.edu to explore how apprenticeship can be the right solution for your business.