THE SOLUTION Because of their deep familiarity with cyber security, Eksi, Arslan and team started out using their own custom-built resources to form the basis of their multilingual training programmes. But they soon realised the value that CompTIA solutions could add to the programme, given the platform-agnostic attributes of CompTIA learning materials, the solid learning design that maximises student engagement, and the industry recognition of the CompTIA credentials. The team switched to using CompTIA Security+ and also opted to become a CompTIA delivery partner. They then obtained partner pricing for the refugee communities in Europe, who are able to use CompTIA vouchers to become certified at no individual cost. “The topics that CompTIA Security+ covers are well-known in the industry, and HR folks like to see it on a resume. It helps get you to the interview, no questions. And as for the hands-on component of the learning experience? There’s not much competition out there,” Eksi says. Regardless of whether they are in a U.S. or a European cohort, students work incrementally through the CyberNow programme, learning in a synchronous online format, unlocking the basics through CompTIA Security+, and later working on real-world cyber security tasks that test their knowledge at every step. “We give them the same tasks as if they were working at IBM or Cisco,” Arslan shares. The CyberNow Labs programme also takes a methodical approach to ensuring every topic can be comprehended to the fullest. “We spend time on every single topic in great detail, and we spread out the content of a course that might typically be crammed into a four-day day bootcamp into eight weeks, allowing students the proper time to digest and practice so they can hit the ground running on day one in their new jobs. We use the same tools, the same environment as a CSOC, and then we work with them on preparing for the job search process, including a structured mentorship program, that puts them to work. In that way, it’s very similar to an apprenticeship program.” Given its strong academic framework, the CyberNow programme was readily accredited by the job’s centers in Germany, meaning graduates in the German cohorts are able to use what they’ve learned to get assistance in finding gainful employment. THE RESULTS Some four years into its existence, Cyber Now Labs, now a National Cyber Group company has helped hundreds of people in Europe and the U.S. through the programme and has led to immeasurable improvements in the lives of their graduates. “We had a student join at the age of 55 after a career in NATO who is now working as a security engineer for Ebay. Another woman was a cashier at Walmart and is now working as a security engineer for a government contractor. There are hundreds of transformational stories just like these.” In total, CyberNow has seen a remarkable 85% placement rate among its graduates who have completed the programme and actively searched for a job over the course of six months. At any given time, they have as many as 350 students in their cohorts and are growing bigger by the month. “We set a target that in three years, we’d like to graduate 10,000 prepared cyber analysts who can hit the ground running on day one on the job,” say Eksi and Arslan. “That’s our mission.”
“CompTIA plus CyberNow together can build the perfect combination for a cyber analyst.” - Hasan Eksi and Omer Arslan
©2022 CompTIA, Inc. All rights reserved. All certification programs and education related to such programs are operated exclusively by CompTIA, Inc. CompTIA is a registered trademark of CompTIA, Inc. in the U.S. and internationally. Other brands and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or service marks of CompTIA, Inc. or of their respective owners. Reproduction or dissemination prohibited without the written consent of CompTIA, Inc. Printed in the U.S. 09741-July2022
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