The US government aims to recruit 1,000 technological experts to boost its operations, collaborating with notable companies from the private sector to address its skill deficits.

Crypto exchange Coinbase and trading platform Robinhood are part of the almost 30 private enterprises supporting the government’s new ‘Tech Force.’ This initiative, launched to recruit talent primarily skilled in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software engineering, underscores the government’s growing need for expertise in cryptocurrency as its integration into the financial ecosystem expands.

Tech Force’s Role Across Agencies
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has indicated that new tech employees will be assigned to various agencies, such as the Treasury and the Commerce Department, where they will tackle critical tasks.

Training will be provided by the private sector, while agencies will handle hiring. Scott Kupor, the OPM director, noted that as government workers retire, there’s a pressing need to attract fresh talent. “As we have people retiring from government, we’re not doing a great job of bringing in the next generation of leaders in government,” Kupor shared in an interview with CNBC.

He remarked that only 7% of the government workforce comprises early-career individuals compared to nearly 25% in other sectors. OPM plans to host a job fair for these workers after their tenure, aiming to showcase the complex and rewarding nature of government work. Kupor emphasized, “What we’re really trying to demonstrate is that the work that you can do in government is both challenging, complex, and that if you decide ultimately you want to go into the private sector, that’s great, that work is valued.”

Crypto firms, especially those focused on blockchain analytics, have often assisted the US government with cryptocurrency tracing efforts in investigations. Moreover, regulatory bodies have consulted the crypto industry on developing inclusive policies, signaling a warming relationship with this growing sector.