Bridging the Cybersecurity Skills Gap

How MCCoE is Training Springfield's Next Generation of Security Professionals
By Matthew Stublefield, Springfield Tech Council Advocacy Committee Member

Cybersecurity professionals are in massive demand, but there aren't enough of them to go around.

I learned this during a recent conversation with Jon Dewein, Executive Director of the Missouri Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (MCCoE). Companies across Missouri desperately need skilled professionals to protect their digital assets. But traditional education paths leave graduates with plenty of theory and little real-world experience. And for many businesses, especially smaller ones, hiring a full-time Chief Information Security Officer or building an entire security team simply isn't realistic.

MCCoE has figured out how to solve both problems at once.

A Different Approach to Cybersecurity Training

Founded in 2019 by Wes Hester and Shannon McMurtrey, MCCoE had to wait until April 2024 to open their physical facility due to COVID-19 delays. That secure space is crucial when you're handling proprietary, confidential client information.

The wait paid off. In just three months since their first apprentices graduated in April 2025, MCCoE has helped 14 people land cybersecurity jobs. That's a 26% placement rate in an incredibly short timeframe. Even better, these graduates are earning salaries of $60,000 or more, and they stayed local instead of taking their skills outside of our community.

What makes MCCoE different is simple: they don't just teach cybersecurity concepts in a classroom. Apprentices work alongside staff on real consulting projects. They shadow experienced professionals helping companies achieve security certifications, conduct penetration testing, and implement continuous monitoring solutions.

This gives students access to expensive enterprise software and tools they'd never see in a traditional university setting. When they interview for jobs, they can demonstrate actual proficiency with the platforms companies use to protect themselves.

The program's accessibility is another game-changer. Universities require extensive prerequisites and charge substantial tuition. MCCoE's requirements? Basic reading, typing, and computer skills. There's an interview and exam, but they're really looking for passion and interest.

And the best part: apprentices get paid while they learn. This makes cybersecurity training financially viable for people who can't afford traditional higher education.

Real People, Real Results

Matt Powell's story shows how well this works. MCCoE's first apprentice, he's now their SOC (Security Operations Center) Manager. The hands-on experience he gained working with clients has benefited his career tremendously. While other candidates knew cybersecurity theory, Powell could demonstrate proficiency with actual software.

Iris Kitchen's career transformation is equally impressive. She went from being a security operations specialist at City Utilities to becoming a cybersecurity analyst there after completing MCCoE's program. Her experience with penetration testing (ethically attacking companies to identify vulnerabilities) made her stand out during the hiring process. Kitchen notes that 80% of penetration testing involves reporting and soft skills, areas where MCCoE's integrated approach provides comprehensive training alongside the technical components.

The program covers industry-standard certifications, including CompTIA Security+, Network+, Pentest+, and HackTheBox credentials. These are the credentials employers truly recognize and value.

Why Local Businesses Should Care

For Springfield's tech community, MCCoE represents both an educational resource and a business opportunity.

Local companies can tap into their expertise for fractional CISO services, security auditing, continuous monitoring, and strategic leadership. It costs a fraction of hiring full-time security staff or engaging large consulting firms.

Let me break that down. A fractional CISO provides executive-level cybersecurity leadership on a part-time basis. Perfect for companies that need strategic guidance but can't justify a full-time position. Security auditing helps businesses identify vulnerabilities before they become costly breaches. Continuous monitoring provides ongoing protection and threat detection.

These services aren't just more affordable when delivered locally. They also contribute to building cybersecurity expertise within our regional economy. Local businesses can invest in MCCoE's services and simultaneously help train the next generation of security professionals who will work right here in Springfield.

MCCoE has even expanded to offer secure backup services, providing another way local businesses can enhance their security posture while supporting the organization's mission.

The Reality Check

Currently, MCCoE operates through a combination of Department of Labor grants and consulting revenue. The grants fund the apprenticeship program. Consulting fees support full-time staff.

But like many workforce development programs, MCCoE faces uncertainty as federal funding priorities shift. There's strong demand for their consulting services, but that revenue alone isn't sufficient to support the apprenticeship program at scale.

The organization has ambitious but achievable goals: within five years, they want to run 8-week pre-apprenticeship programs for 100 people annually, maintain 10 apprentices working on client engagements, and ensure every company in the region knows about MCCoE's capabilities.

MCCoE collaborates with several universities and maintains partnerships with major industry players, including SentinelOne, Palo Alto Networks, CompTIA, and Cisco. Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) has three students in the current apprenticeship program, representing the strongest academic partnership to date, and MCCoE aims to establish additional partnerships and financial support with area (or regional) educational institutions.

What We Need to Do

I've seen this pattern before. Many organizations deliver real value but struggle with sustainable funding. MCCoE is experiencing this first-hand, but the Queen City is best known for its collaboration and support for one another.

For local tech professionals and business owners, MCCoE offers a valuable resource that benefits our community.

The math is simple: companies needing cybersecurity services can find cost-effective, high-quality solutions while directly contributing to workforce development in our region.

Businesses exploring cybersecurity services can reach out to MCCoE before looking further afield. Companies can refer qualified candidates to their apprenticeship programs. Local tech leaders can help spread awareness of what MCCoE offers.

Interested students can learn more about pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities at MCCoE.org. Businesses looking to explore their cybersecurity services can reach out through the same website.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, Springfield needs more cybersecurity professionals. MCCoE has proven it can deliver both practical training and business value.

The question isn't whether we need more cybersecurity talent in Springfield. It's whether we'll support the innovative local organization that's already delivering results.

About the author: Matthew Stublefield is the founder of Fieldway, providing executive coaching and leadership development to help leaders across all industries build high-performing teams and navigate complex challenges. He serves on the Springfield Tech Council Advocacy Committee, advocating for Springfield's regional tech ecosystem. Find Matthew on LinkedIn.