 3.2.4 Expand the use of skills-based workforce development practices. The NCWCG will work across departments and agencies to coordinate skills-based talent development programs, resources, and technical assistance, such as the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) STEM Portal,92 to support workforce development ecosystems. NICE will continue to promote, energize, and support adoption of the NICE Framework to strengthen skills-based workforce development efforts. The Administration will work with Congress to secure funding for these efforts. 3.2.5 Increase on-ramps to cyber careers through work-based learning opportunities. Public and private sector employers are encouraged to increase registered apprenticeships, preapprenticeships, and paid internships. To reach underrepresented and underserved communities, employers are encouraged to partner with organizations focused on enhancing the talent pipeline in these communities. Employers are also encouraged to establish entry-level positions that provide avenues for advancement. Colleges, universities and SLTT governments are encouraged to increase the use of hands-on learning opportunities, such as cyber clinics and cyber ranges, to enable students to work directly with organizations in their communities and develop cyber skills in simulated environments. Departments and agencies will explore including incentives in grants and contracts to increase the number of work-based learning opportunities that develop cyber skills and on-ramps to employment. This may include working with the Department of Labor to review and revise the education and work experience requirements to allow registered apprentices and others in skillsbased development pathways to participate. Doing this may create opportunities for those who have aptitude but not a formal degree, including many veterans. 3.2.6 Encourage the adoption of flexible employment models, such as fractional employment. Employers, labor organizations, unions and intermediaries are encouraged to embrace fractional employment models that would make cyber experts available to multiple employers. For example, an AI developer could work for a large technology firm for 20 hours per week, a local government for 10 hours per week, and a non-profit organization for 10 hours. Unlike freelancing or contracting, each employer, or an intermediary, would provide proportional benefits that constitute a comprehensive benefits package across the different employers. This approach may provide small businesses access to highly skilled cyber talent they might not otherwise be able to. ONCD will convene employers, industry representatives, and cyber experts to identify barriers to expanding fractional employment models and solutions to reframe employment structures while embodying Good Job Principles. 29 NATIONAL CYBER WORKFORCE AND EDUCATION STRATEGY