IBM gives veterans free tech training

Firm helps transition to cybersecurity careers, other tech-skills jobs.

For many military veterans, swapping out combat gear for a shirt and tie can be easier said than done.

But IBM was in Sandy Springs recently to lend a helping hand, assisting veterans’ transition into cybersecurity careers and other jobs that require technology skills.

At IBM’s building on Barfield Road on Sept. 19, the multinational information technology company trained several U.S. veterans free of charge for these types of jobs using its QRadar Security Information and Event Management system. The software is used by cybersecurity teams around the world, from Fortune 500 companies to banks to law enforcement.

The 14 veterans who participated in the training received free certification using the software and job placement support, according to the company. Seven of the veterans who participated in the training are from Georgia.

The training was done in partnership with Corporate America Supports You, also known as CASY, which provides veterans with free job placement assistance.

Essentially, CASY and IBM are trying to kill two birds with one stone: They’re trying to get jobs for veterans and fill jobs in the cybersecurity industry.

According to data from the Housing Assistance Council, there are more than 680,000 veterans living in Georgia. One person who participated in last week’s training was Lincoln Lanier, an activeduty member who works as an ROTC instructor at the University of Georgia. Before landing at UGA, he was flying Black Hawk helicopters for the U.S. Army.

A spokesperson for IBM and CASY says that the group of veterans who participated in the Sandy Springs training was diverse. Some were in college looking to add certifications; some are already employed and looking to boost their value; and some are still in service, hoping to add skills as they prepare to leave activeduty military service.

In addition to the technology and cybersecurity training provided by IBM, CASY gave the veterans advice and tips on interviewing, networking and creating a résumé. Three people in the class were actively looking for work and requested employment assistance. They received one-on-one help directly from CASY, a spokesperson said.

According to Cybersecurity Ventures, which calls itself “the world’s leading researcher and publisher covering the global cyber economy,” there will be an estimated 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2021.

Essentially, CASY and IBM are trying to kill two birds with one stone: They’re trying to get jobs for veterans and fill jobs in the cybersecurity industry.