Part 3: The “Last Mile” Problem – With Jeff Welgan
What happens when earning a cybersecurity credential isn’t enough to prove you can do the job? In this episode of Project Cyber Ready , I’m continuing our four-part series by sitting down with Jeff Welgan, CEO of SkillRex , to explore the “last mile”—the gap between earning credentials and demonstrating that you can apply those skills in a real-world environment. The cybersecurity hiring market has changed dramatically. With layoffs, offshoring, downsizing, and automation reshaping the market, employers have more experienced candidates to choose from while entry-level candidates face an increasingly competitive path into the industry. At the same time, certifications and degrees don’t always tell the full story of what someone can actually do. Jeff and I discuss why measurable, demonstrable skills are becoming increasingly important—and why employers need better ways to understand the capabilities of the people they’re hiring. So what does it take to close that last-mile gap? In Part 3, The “Last Mile” Problem , Jeff and I dig into the challenges of translating job descriptions into actual skill requirements, why employers and candidates often speak different languages, and how skills-based approaches can provide better visibility into workforce capability. We also explore the role of hands-on experience, mentorship, labs, job rotations, and practical assessments in helping candidates move beyond theoretical knowledge and demonstrate what they can actually do. Jeff also shares how SkillRex approaches skills measurement and workforce intelligence, including how organizations can establish a baseline of capabilities, identify skill gaps, measure skill growth, and use that data to make better workforce decisions. And we talk about something every organization is thinking about right now: How do you know whether your investments in people, training, and technology are actually working? From measuring skill yield to identifying where organizations should upskill versus hire, data can help employers make more informed decisions—and ultimately build a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity workforce. This is Part 3 of our four-part Project Cyber Ready series. Join me and Jeff Welgan as we explore what it really takes to bridge the gap between credentials and capability—and why proving what you can do may matter more than ever in today’s cybersecurity hiring market. 🎧 Listen in and let’s keep the conversation going. Connect & Join the Movement: 🌐 Website: https://wecyberup.org/ 💼 LinkedIn: Connect with Tony Bryan ; Connect with Jeff Welgan 🔔 Subscribe: Hit follow on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode in our 4-pillar rotation.
