Colorado Springs poised to provide Space Command with permanent talent pipeline
The U.S. Space Command will need to fill tech jobs in areas like software development, information systems, and cybersecurity as the unified combatant command of the United States Department of Defense continues to grow, taking root in Colorado Springs. Space Command needs a workforce with diverse backgrounds and skills and Colorado Springs, and our surrounding communities, have just the answer. Access to robust and skilled cybersecurity, aerospace, and engineering talent make the region an ideal permanent home for U.S. Space Command – including the major companies that reside in the Pikes Peak region like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
Space Command will create 1,400 jobs and would create an economic impact of more than a billion dollars a year. Hosting its headquarters would also add prestige to any city seeking to sell itself to young STEM enthusiasts. Plus, with 38% of the area’s population 25 years or older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, along with one of the nation’s largest concentration of veterans and military workers—Colorado Springs is the ideal location with the ideal workforce.
Robust Talent Pipeline
Colorado Springs is a legacy military town, which means a never-ending talent pipeline. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs’ Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program (C-CAP) provides aspiring cybersecurity professionals of all ages the academic and skills-based knowledge required to earn mid-level and advanced-level cybersecurity positions. Via a series of industry-aligned courses, hands-on camps, and on-the-job training; future apprentices will be equipped to succeed in one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation.
Founded in 2016, the National Cybersecurity Center (NCC) solidified Colorado Springs’ place as the leader in the cyber industry. The NCC works to serve businesses with cyber breach support, educate, and train elected officials in cybersecurity best practices, and partner with higher education institutions like The University of Colorado Colorado Springs and The U.S. Air Force Academy to create the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Colorado Springs is home to one of the nation’s five US Military Service Academies – The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). A beacon of STEM and defense-related-talent, USAFA has an acceptance rate of 11.4% — making it one of the most selective colleges in the country. USAFA is planning a state-of-the-art Center for Cyber Innovation that will bring together Air Force CyberWorx, the Department of Homeland Security’s Center of Innovation, and the Academy’s Department of Computer and Cyber Sciences under one facility. This collaborative initiative will attract the brightest minds in cyber and contribute to the Pikes Peak Region’s private sector cyber industry.
World Class Companies
The Aerospace Corporation broke ground on Sept. 23 on a new “state-of-the-art research and development center,” creating 200 new jobs.
“The groundbreaking of the new Aerospace Corporation research and development facility is yet more evidence that Colorado Springs is the epicenter of military space and the best location to serve as the permanent home of U.S. Space Force.” – Mayor John Suther.
Additionally, the region has a plethora of companies that fuel our workforce, including 111,000+ aerospace employees and over 125 cybersecurity companies, with a mixture of public and private sector talent. Top companies that call the area home include: Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Root9B. Colorado Springs is perfectly poised to permanently provide the U.S. Space Command with the brightest and best aerospace and cybersecurity talent.
For those relocating to the area and looking for employment in the private sector, be sure to check out our COVID-19 Job-Seeker Resources webpage – complete with a list of all the companies currently hiring in the area. To see the details and figures about Colorado Springs’ footprint in the aerospace & defense industries, be sure to check out our Aerospace & Defense Industry Profile or contact us for more information.