White House officials visit Wisconsin, emphasizes cybersecurity job opportunities

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Craig Kandengwa works forty hours a week at the Edgewater Hotel. He is also a full-time student at Madison Area Technical College, studying cybersecurity.

“Put your all in it and you will succeed,” Kandengwa said with a smile. “I want to start smaller and then grow into something, maybe start my own company.”

Donning a blue suit and a tie, Kandengwa listened to White House officials encourage non-traditional students to pursue cybersecurity.

There are nearly 5,000 open cybersecurity jobs in Wisconsin, and 500,000 openings across the country right now. The series of White House officials highlighted alternative paths like studying at MATC, rather than a traditional four-year degree, as a way to fill those jobs. Kandengwa’s as a way to fill those jobs.

Casey Cammilleri, also in attendance, was once in Kandegwa’s shoes.

“I went through the very first cohort of the cybersecurity programs when they first started it,” Cammilleri said. “I participated in that and found this is my true passion.”

After graduating from MATC, he became the founder and CEO of Sprocket Security. Now, he is hiring, and he is not looking for four-year college degree holders.

“In fact, you don’t need a two-year,” Cammilleri said. “You need to be able to show the drive and the passion to learn new things. “

The Biden-Harris Administration is investing $7 billion in Wisconsin through the Invest in America legislation to support the economy and create new jobs.

“As a business owner, I get extremely excited about all of the funding that’s happening and the investments they’re doing,” Cammilleri said.

About 80% of the jobs created through the Invest in America legislation, do not require a college degree, according to the White House.

“Having a strong cyber workforce is not only a matter of national security,” said Harry Coker, Jr., the White House national cyber director. “It is also a matter of our economic prosperity and our technological innovation.”

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