Grow with Us
Last updated on May 12, 2025Background
In conversations with various B.C. Public Sector entities, it was identified that access to cybersecurity talent and resources was a significant challenge for many organizations.
In response to this, the Grow with Us (GwU) program was developed to help build cybersecurity capacity in the B.C. Public Sector. GwU provides co-op opportunities for qualifying students in participating post-secondary institutions and programs. These entry level experiences create an onramp for those interested in pursuing careers in the cybersecurity domain.
The GwU program builds on existing similar programs offered by the B.C. Public Service Agency (BCPSA). Both programs are intended to provide meaningful and engaging co-op experience for participants, though GwU has taken a cohort approach to build a community of cybersecurity learners. GwU students are encouraged to participate in team building activities and exchange ideas which helps cultivate a positive working environment
Program Overview
GwU employs from various diverse talent pools which includes post-secondary students across B.C. enrolled in co-op programs working toward a degree, diploma in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and non-STEM programs GwU recruitment and intake periods are January, May and September. Students who are accepted into the program will participate in various projects within the B.C. Public Service. These projects vary in scope, ranging from technical to business-focused initiatives within a cybersecurity team, ultimately providing exposure to and training in information security.
Combining cybersecurity training and project-based work experiences creates opportunities for participants to discover available career roles in the cybersecurity domain.
Program Objectives
The Grow with Us program is structured with specific objectives ranging from mending the talent gap, career development, creating appeal and encouraging intergenerational bonding:
- Bridge the Talent Gap: The program seeks to bridge the shortage of cybersecurity professionals by equipping co-op students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and practical experience to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise.
- Career Development: Grow with Us aims to provide co-op students interested in cybersecurity with career development opportunities, allow them to explore the field, gain firsthand experience, and build a foundation for future careers.
- Promote BC Public Service as an Employer: By showcasing the B.C. Public Service as an attractive employer in the cybersecurity domain, the program encourages students to consider future career opportunities within the B.C. Public Service.
- Foster Intergenerational Bonding: Co-op programs encourage intergenerational bonding by promoting knowledge exchange, mentorship, and collaboration between individuals
From Issue to Opportunity: The Issue
Senior Level Talent
Ministries increasingly need senior-level cybersecurity talent. The market for these specialized skills is very tight, and the current recruitment approach is well intended, however, the outcomes are often unsuccessful.
Succession Management
Staff in the BCPS' (limited) junior-level cybersecurity roles do not typically have the skills, knowledge, experience, or credentials to advance into more senior roles. Ministries do not often hire for junior roles because it takes too long to train and job profiles are not progressive.
Co-op Programming
While the current cybersecurity co-op initiative has demonstrated success, without dedicated resources the approach remains ad-hoc. There is an opportunity and necessity for internal resources that provide significant program and individual support.
Diversity in the BC Public Service
The OCIO is committed to supporting the Public Service Agency's goal of an increasingly diverse workforce with representation from underrepresented groups traditionally under-represented in the tech sector.
The Opportunity
British Columbia and the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) can demonstrate leadership with a human-centered, iterative approach to fostering cybersecurity talent and share solutions with Broader Public Sector and interjurisdictional partners.
Through the Grow with Us program, our objective is to create a cohesive and clearly defined cybersecurity career path in the B.C. Public Service, and recruit creatively from a diverse talent pool that includes:
- co-op students
- recent graduates from technical and non-technical programs
- individuals from underrepresented groups
- individuals with non-traditional transferable skills (including career transition from BCPS and other non-technical sectors)
- established cybersecurity professionals (current staff of the BCPS and BPS)
References:
CC – Certified in Cybersecurity