Federal Chief Information Officer Suzette Kent has said her office plans to launch programs that will help address gaps in the federal information technology workforce, Federal News Network reported Wednesday.Kent noted at the Symantec Government Symposium that the government will boost its efforts in recruiting entry-level IT employees and retraining existing personnel who are capable of undertaking tasks in cybersecurity.
She added that she will work to sustain the government’s investments in the IT workforce, with new budget negotiations scheduled to commence in December.
The Office of Personnel Management recently proposed revising rules in authorizing agency heads to immediately address any shortage in IT employees instead of waiting more than 100 days to fill an open position.
The government also established Centers of Excellence at the Departments of Agriculture and Housing and Urban Affairs in an effort to share cyber talent with the private sector.
Kent also shared that the government seeks to guide agencies in setting their expectations for IT employees, as well as increasing the mobility of IT employees to help them grow in their careers.
