Operational, Strategic, Tactical

From Potential to Performance: An Apprenticeship Approach to Closing the Skills’ Gap

This presentation explains the strategic rationale behind cybersecurity apprenticeships and explores how these programs help bridge the skills gap in cybersecurity. Leaders will gain insight into the business case, including cost-effectiveness, long-term benefits, and workforce development. Beyond the strategic benefits, we’ll focus on how mentorship shapes apprentices into skilled professionals while balancing operational demands. Attendees will gain insights into the realities of mentoring—managing expectations, providing hands-on training, and fostering growth without compromising productivity. We’ll also highlight the apprentice perspective, covering the challenges of entering the field, skill-building strategies, and how support from mentors impacts long-term success. This discussion sets the stage for practical approaches to creating a learning-focused environment where both mentors and apprentices thrive, ensuring stronger teams and a more resilient cybersecurity workforce. 

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April 15, 2026
10:30 am - 11:15 am

This presentation explains the strategic rationale behind cybersecurity apprenticeships and explores how these programs help bridge the skills gap in cybersecurity. Leaders will gain insight into the business case, including cost-effectiveness, long-term benefits, and workforce development. Beyond the strategic benefits, we’ll focus on how mentorship shapes apprentices into skilled professionals while balancing operational demands. Attendees will gain insights into the realities of mentoring—managing expectations, providing hands-on training, and fostering growth without compromising productivity. We’ll also highlight the apprentice perspective, covering the challenges of entering the field, skill-building strategies, and how support from mentors impacts long-term success. This discussion sets the stage for practical approaches to creating a learning-focused environment where both mentors and apprentices thrive, ensuring stronger teams and a more resilient cybersecurity workforce. 

Speakers

Aaron Bond

Cybersecurity Sr. Manager, Threat Detection & Response, The Home Depot

Cassie Britton

Cybersecurity Staff Analyst (TDR), The Home Depot

Sean Riley

AI Security Engineer, The Home Depot

Meet the Session
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