SkillBridge provides employers access to a talented pool of disciplined, highly capable individuals without the legal requirements that typically accompany traditional employment. Recent updates to the SkillBridge program reflect its growing popularity. In mid-2023, the DoD temporarily halted new employer applications due to a surge in interest, while the Navy and Marines imposed new restrictions on participation, citing unit readiness concerns.
The latest changes came in August, with the DoD requiring participating employers to accept a minimum number of candidates based on company size and to ensure a “high probability” that interns will receive job offers upon completion. These updates ensure that the program continues to benefit both employers and transitioning service members, offering a seamless pathway from military to civilian employment.
Layoffs: IBM
IBM initiates another round of layoffs as part of its ongoing “workforce rebalancing” strategy, primarily affecting senior-level programmers, sales, and support staff, according to The Register. IBM confirmed the cuts to CRN, stating that they reflect a “very low single-digit percentage” of its global workforce, with the expectation that overall headcount will remain stable by year’s end. Public notices filed via WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) letters show that in California alone, IBM laid off 54 employees in Santa Clara County and 57 in San Francisco County, while in Washington state, 63 workers were let go. Notably, some of the affected positions include AI engineers and data scientists.
This move follows IBM’s earlier disclosure of a $400 million workforce rebalancing charge for 2024, up from $300 million in 2023, and aligns with CEO Arvind Krishna’s comments about the increasing role of AI and automation in replacing thousands of back-office roles over the next five years.
Hiring: RunSafe Security
RunSafe Security, a McLean-based firm specializing in cybersecurity solutions, is gearing up for significant growth following a successful Series B funding round. The company, which works with major enterprises like the federal government and private companies across various industries, plans to use the new funds to expand its sales and marketing teams. “We’re hitting a significant growth curve and saw strong interest from strategic investors,” said CEO Joe Saunders in an interview with Technical.ly.
Backed by investors like Critical Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures, and BMW i Ventures, RunSafe Security is well-positioned to continue its partnerships with global software players. The company, which has 14 issued patents, works with high-profile clients, including the U.S. Army, Navy, GE Aviation, and Schneider Electric. With these new investments, the firm is poised to accelerate its expansion and bring more innovative solutions to its growing customer base.
Cleared Employer at Work: CISA
Are you interested in a career in cyber? Check out open positions at CISA today: www.cisa.gov/careers.
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Opportunity to Watch
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) extended direct hiring authority for STEM and cybersecurity positions through 2028, a move aimed at addressing critical hiring needs in these fields. Originally granted in 2018 and extended in 2023, the direct hiring authority allows agencies to bypass traditional hiring processes for positions with candidate shortages, helping them quickly fill vital roles. The extension also includes criminal investigation positions in the GS-1811 occupational series at grade levels 12-15. Jobs covered under this authority range from cybersecurity specialists to engineers, and even economists, allowing agencies to swiftly bring in talent as the need for skilled professionals grows. This move follows OPM’s recent government-wide direct hire authority for AI positions, responding to the AI hiring surge driven by President Biden’s executive order.
