Coding for Veterans: Cybersecurity Today on the Weekend with David Shipley

Coding for Veterans: From Military Service to Cybersecurity & Generative AI Careers This episode is sponsored by Nordlayer. Contact them at Nordlayer.com/hashtagtrending and use discount code NLSummer26 for a discount during their summer sale. In this Weekend episode of Cybersecurity Today, host David speaks with Jeff Musson, co-founder and executive director of Coding for Veterans, and Daniel Shang, a recent graduate of the program's cybersecurity stream who is enrolling in its new generative AI course. Daniel shares his path from an electrical engineering background and Canadian Army reservist service (2016–2023) into cybersecurity, describing how the program's online, guided curriculum helped him build foundational skills like Python, Linux, and ethical hacking. Jeff explains how Coding for Veterans launched in 2019, has served over 1,000 students, expanded from software development into cybersecurity and AI, and supports learners with instructors, Slack communities, and occasional in-person bootcamps. They discuss veteran transition challenges, funding options through Veterans Affairs Canada and other sources, employer engagement, mentoring, and the program's career impact. 00:00 Sponsor NordLayer 00:39 Meet Jeff and Daniel 01:31 Daniel Military Background 02:20 Choosing Cybersecurity Path 05:06 Online Learning Experience 07:27 Finding Direction in Cyber 09:07 Jeff and Program Origins 12:08 Veteran Success Stories 19:05 Student Support System 21:47 Daniel AI Next Steps 24:29 Advice for Veterans 28:20 Costs and Funding Options 30:27 How Employers Can Help 33:49 Scaling Challenges and Wins 37:05 Future Goals and Wrap Up 41:21 Sponsor Message NordLayer