State Taking Applications for Emerging Leadership, Cybersecurity Training Programs

The California Department of Technology’s Office of Professional Development (OPD) is accepting applications for two training programs — one for emerging IT leaders, and the other for cybersecurity specialists. Both are open to employees of state and local government in California.

Emerging IT Leaders Boot Camp (EITL) is a virtual four-week program designed to help public-sector technologists develop the critical skills needed for those seeking to move into or up within IT leadership in their organizations.

According to OPD, the ideal candidates for this program are those in IT Supervisor I or II classifications (or similar classification levels within cities and counties); those who have recently been promoted into IT managerial positions; those who are already serving in a leadership capacity; and those who want to refresh or gain leadership skills.

The program is viewed by many as a steppingstone to OPD’s widely popular Information Technology Leadership Academy (ITLA), a training ground for those aspiring to executive roles in government IT, including chief information officer and chief technology officer roles. EITL isn’t a prerequisite for participation in ITLA; it can be taken as a stand-alone experience.

The announcement of the application period notes: “While completion does not guarantee a spot within our traditional ITLA program in the future, it serves as excellent preparation if this is a future goal. … Potential registrants should not view this program as a ‘mini-ITLA.’ Those who possess more significant supervisory/managerial experience (three years or more) are encouraged to apply for ITLA or, if they still choose to attend this program, do so with the understanding that they will be in the company of students with significantly less knowledge and experience.”

The EITL program runs from Oct. 14 through Nov. 8, and registration will continue until all 20 seats are filled. Participants must secure permission from their direct supervisor or manager and should discuss the commitment level involved. Interested participants should register via CDT’s open registration process. Questions about the program can be emailed to WFD@state.ca.gov. Questions regarding the registration process can be directed to training@state.ca.gov.

The other program being offered by OPD is Cybersecurity Boot Camp, a virtual four-week program designed to prepare state workers for the critical roles of information security officer (ISO), chief information security officer (CISO), agency information security officer (AISO), or an expanded role within their department’s security office.

The boot camp runs from Oct. 15 through Nov. 7.

“Ideal candidates are currently working as an information security manager or supervisor,” OPD’s announcement says. “This boot camp is open to the public sector (e.g., state, county and city agencies), tech-savvy IT, and aspiring ISOs passionate about security. Therefore, students should anticipate interfacing with a variety of students who possess differing backgrounds and experience levels.”

The Cybersecurity Boot Camp is separate from OPD’s Information Security Leadership Academy (ISLA), and there is overlap between the two programs. Interested candidates should review the ISLA program to see which of the two would be more appropriate. Registration for the Boot Camp is available online, and questions can be directed to WFD@state.ca.gov. Questions regarding the open registration process can be directed to training@state.ca.gov. The program will accept 20 participants.

In addition to these two programs and ITLA and ISLA, the state also offers a Project Management Leadership Academy.