particular use in obtaining higher credentials for those participating in the cybersecurity sector of the defense industry . According to Major General James Hoyer , USA , Retired , vice president of economic innovation at WVU , one of the key issues in the defense sector is the ability to secure and protect data and communications .
“ The WVNDIA is a key facilitator for helping companies maintain cybersecurity ,” Hoyer says . “ The chapter has created a collaborative environment among defense sector companies and those who want to grow into the defense space . Education and training to grow a capable and stable workforce will be key to West Virginia ’ s future growth and success in the defense industry .”
Clark says the WVNDIA will add knowledge , clarity and opportunity to the cybersecurity sector in West Virginia through its education efforts .
“ The universities are the leaders , and each of them has a large footprint ,” he says . “ We need them to focus their curriculum so when students graduate , they have job placements within the industry .”
Another goal of the WVNDIA is helping students graduate with security clearance . Clark believes if the state can graduate students with the right clearance and training , it will create an ocean of qualified individuals for recruitment who can support the industry .
“ If you create an ocean , then you create oceanfront property , and that oceanfront property will be the largest defense companies and federal agencies coming to our state to recruit ,” he says . “ We can create that ocean of talent here . That is part of the mission of the NDIA .”
The continued growth of the defense industry could mean a lot for West Virginia , but when asked , Hartzell says the impact can be summed up in one word : jobs .
“ Good jobs that turn into careers . Jobs that matter . Jobs that will allow our citizens to know they are making an important contribution to an essential sector of our economy while at the same time helping to ensure the defense of our country ’ s national interests ,” he says . “ West Virginia has always supported and contributed to the defense industry and supported the warfighter . With the WVNDIA and a spirit of cooperation like I have never before witnessed , I believe West Virginia will play a greater part in this sector and that the defense industry will truly be a sector for growth well into the future .” •
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