 Departments and agencies will continue using public–private partnerships to synthesize and share cyber workforce data while protecting privacy, safety, and security, similar to the NICE collaborative effort that supports CyberSeek.org.84 ONCD will explore establishing an independent National Center for Cyber Data to serve as an authoritative resource. 3.1.3 Expand the availability of low- or no-cost workforce development tools for small enterprises. Federal departments and agencies will explore partnering with academia and industry to increase the availability of upskilling and reskilling training materials to cyber workers, entrepreneurs, and employers in small enterprises and non-profit organizations. Cyber workforce ecosystems should address the needs of small businesses related to cybersecurity planning, operating without cybersecurity staff, and meeting federal cybersecurity requirements. S TRATEGIC O BJECTIVE 3.2: P ROMOTE S KILLS -B ASED H IRING AND W ORKFORCE D EVELOPMENT A skills-based approach is critical to connect more Americans to good careers. They should compete for jobs based on what they can do rather than merely credentials. Skills-based approaches also assist employers. Hiring by demonstrated skills is more predictive of job performance than hiring by education or work experience.85 Once hired, workers will need timely and accessible upskilling and reskilling opportunities. A skills-based approach assists employees seeking to advance in the workplace and improves retention. Integrated education and training models that include work-based learning, paid internships, externships, pre-apprenticeships, or registered apprenticeships have proven to be effective. Through these and other work-based learning opportunities, cyber workers can earn a wage as they gain hands-on experience and develop their skills. Community and technical colleges make critical contributions to the cyber workforce. They also offer an avenue to reach women, who represent over half of learners enrolled in community colleges, as well as members of other groups currently underrepresented in the cyber workforce. Education-based and employer-led workforce development programs are more effective when industry actively engages in shaping curricula and provides work-based experiential learning opportunities. All ecosystem stakeholders are encouraged to be active participants in developing rewarding cyber career pathways. Hiring managers and human resource professionals can collaborate to develop and implement skills-based talent management practices. Employers with skills-based programs can 27 NATIONAL CYBER WORKFORCE AND EDUCATION STRATEGY