Best Associate's Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Newark, New Jersey
Hudson County Community College — Near Newark, NJ
If you're in the Hudson County area, this college's cybersecurity track gives you hands-on experience in network defense and system administration without requiring you to travel far. Students work in labs that mirror real enterprise environments, building skills in firewalls, intrusion detection, and vulnerability assessment. The program maintains strong connections with employers in the NYC metro area, meaning your internship or entry-level role often comes through direct college partnerships. Graduates typically transition into help desk, junior network admin, or SOC analyst positions within 6 months of graduation, with many staying local while others leverage the program's reputation to move into more competitive regional markets.
Programs Offered
- AAS in Cybersecurity/Information Security — 2 years, on-campus with evening options
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Local healthcare IT departments, NYC-area financial services firms, Regional managed service providers (MSPs), Government contractors in NJ.
Top Transfer Destinations
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
- Rutgers University–Newark
- Montclair State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
Brookdale Community College — Near Newark, NJ
Brookdale's cybersecurity program stands out for its emphasis on practical lab work and industry-standard tools from day one—you'll spend as much time in the security lab as you do in lecture. The college has invested in state-of-the-art equipment that mirrors what you'll encounter in actual SOCs and enterprise IT shops. Students benefit from Brookdale's location in Monmouth County and its growing partnerships with regional financial institutions and healthcare systems. Most graduates move into help desk, junior admin, or junior analyst roles, with a clear path for those who want to continue at NJIT or Rutgers with junior-level experience already in hand.
Programs Offered
- AAS in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional healthcare networks, Financial services in central NJ, Managed service providers, Local government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
- Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- Montclair State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior System Administrator
- Network Support Technician
- Security Operations Center Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA (foundational)
Location Advantages:
Passaic County Community College — Near Newark, NJ
Passaic County's cybersecurity program puts you in position to work with the robust tech ecosystem of North Jersey and the greater NYC region—employers here actively recruit from the college's program. The curriculum weaves together hands-on networking, system administration, and security principles so you graduate with both technical depth and security awareness. You'll work on real equipment, not simulations alone, and benefit from faculty with current industry experience. Graduates typically move into help desk, junior admin, or security support roles, with many using the program as a springboard to four-year universities while working.
Programs Offered
- AAS in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus with evening options
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: NYC-area financial firms, Healthcare IT departments, Managed service providers, Technology companies in North Jersey.
Top Transfer Destinations
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
- Rutgers University–Newark
- William Paterson University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior Security Analyst
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ — Near Newark, NJ
Union County's program delivers cybersecurity training rooted in practical, immediately deployable skills—you're not learning theory in isolation but rather how networks actually break down and how to defend them. The college's proximity to major employers in Union County and Newark means your internship often converts directly into an entry-level role. Coursework covers networking foundations, system hardening, and basic security operations, with access to lab environments that let you experiment safely. Graduates step into help desk and junior admin positions, many staying in the area while others use the credential to move up the career ladder.
Programs Offered
- AAS in Cybersecurity/IT Security — 2 years, on-campus with evening availability
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Newark-area healthcare systems, Financial services in Union County, Local government IT departments, Regional technology firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Rutgers University–Newark
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
- Kean University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior System Administrator
- IT Support Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
Location Advantages:
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Newark, New Jersey
Princeton University — Near Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: Princeton combines world-class theoretical computer science with direct access to faculty conducting foundational cryptography and systems security research published at top security conferences.
Princeton's approach to cybersecurity bridges theoretical rigor and practical application through its computer science graduate program, which allows students to specialize in security systems, cryptography, and network defense. The program benefits from faculty working at the intersection of mathematics, systems design, and policy—researchers actively publishing in top-tier venues like ACM CCS and IEEE S&P. What sets Princeton apart is the expectation that cybersecurity work connects to real-world impact: students engage with both foundational questions (how do we prove a system is secure?) and urgent problems (securing critical infrastructure, countering advanced threats). The program draws on Princeton's historic strength in mathematics and theoretical computer science while maintaining applied labs where students implement and test security solutions. Proximity to major financial institutions and government agencies creates natural research collaborations and internship pathways. Graduates typically move into roles at leading tech companies, national laboratories, and government agencies where they work on cutting-edge defense systems and emerging threat landscapes.
Programs Offered
- M.S. in Computer Science (Security specialization) — 2 years, on-campus
- Ph.D. in Computer Science (Security track) — 5-6 years, on-campus
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Information Technology Policy
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, National Security Agency.
Notable Faculty
- Prateek Mittal — Network security, privacy-preserving systems, anonymity networks
Location Advantages: Proximity to New York financial sector and cybersecurity industry hubsAccess to government research funding and collaborations
Rutgers University-New Brunswick — Near Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: Rutgers integrates hands-on security labs and multi-disciplinary coursework across CS, engineering, and policy to create security professionals equipped for complex enterprise and infrastructure challenges.
Rutgers' cybersecurity initiative stands out for its multi-disciplinary infrastructure spanning computer science, electrical engineering, and policy schools—allowing students to build security expertise alongside knowledge of systems hardware, software architecture, and regulatory frameworks. The undergraduate and graduate programs feature hands-on labs where students work with real network infrastructure, malware analysis tools, and penetration testing environments. Faculty actively pursue research in areas like intrusion detection, cloud security, and IoT protection, with students embedded in projects that directly feed into industry challenges. The program intentionally connects to Rutgers' strengths in systems research and maintains partnerships with both government agencies and technology companies seeking talent. What makes Rutgers distinctive is the accessibility of this research and lab work to both graduate and undergraduate students—not sequestered in advanced tracks. Career outcomes show strong placement in mid-Atlantic tech companies, government contractors, and finance sector security roles, with many graduates moving into rapid-advancement paths at Fortune 500 companies.
Programs Offered
- B.S. in Computer Science (Cybersecurity focus) — 4 years, on-campus
- M.S. in Computer Science (Cybersecurity track) — 2 years, on-campus
- Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity — 1 year, on-campus
Research Labs and Institutes
- WINLAB
- Cybersecurity Research Center at Rutgers
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Verizon.
Notable Faculty
- Srinivas Narayana — Network security, software-defined networks, systems security
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Central New Jersey location with access to NYC and Philadelphia tech ecosystemsProximity to major financial and healthcare sector companiesClose relationships with government agencies and defense contractors
Rutgers University-Newark — Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: Rutgers-Newark emphasizes practitioner-focused cybersecurity education with flexible delivery designed for working professionals entering or advancing in security careers.
Rutgers-Newark delivers cybersecurity education with strong emphasis on serving working professionals and career-changers through flexible scheduling and industry-aligned curriculum. The program, housed within the School of Engineering, targets students preparing for immediate security roles—covering incident response, threat assessment, compliance frameworks, and hands-on defensive techniques. Faculty bring significant industry experience alongside academic credentials, creating a curriculum that reflects actual workplace security challenges rather than purely theoretical foundations. The Newark campus location puts students directly within reach of a major financial and insurance hub, making internships and job placement highly accessible. Graduate programs offer evening and hybrid options that allow full-time professionals to advance credentials while maintaining employment. Distinctions include strong advising on certification pathways (CompTIA Security+, CISSP preparation) and direct partnerships with employers actively recruiting Rutgers-Newark graduates into mid-level and senior security roles.
Programs Offered
- M.S. in Computer Science (Cybersecurity concentration) — 2 years, hybrid
Industry Partners
- New Jersey financial sector companies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: JPMorgan Chase, MetLife, Prudential, Verizon.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Located in Newark's financial and insurance districtEasy commute from NYC metropolitan areaDirect access to major employer recruiting for security talent
Stevens Institute of Technology — Near Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: Research-driven CS-grounded cybersecurity program with emphasis on cryptography, secure systems design, and theoretical foundations—positioned for both immediate industry and PhD-track careers.
Stevens' cybersecurity program merges rigorous computer science foundations with applied security research, positioning graduates for both immediate industry roles and advanced technical careers. The curriculum spans cryptographic theory, software security, network protocols, and privacy-preserving systems—taught with mathematical depth that distinguishes Stevens from programs emphasizing only tool proficiency. Students access dedicated cybersecurity labs and participate in capture-the-flag competitions and security challenges that build competitive skills. The program benefits from Stevens' location in Hoboken, directly across the Hudson from Manhattan's financial district and enterprise tech centers, enabling internships and industry guest interactions. Faculty conduct active security research in areas like blockchain security, secure systems design, and privacy technologies, creating opportunities for motivated students to contribute to published work. The master's program attracts both recent CS graduates and experienced professionals seeking to deepen security expertise or transition into security leadership. Stevens emphasizes that cybersecurity is fundamentally applied computer science; students gain not just security tools and techniques, but the theoretical grounding to invent new security approaches. Graduates move into roles spanning security engineering, cryptography, research, and technical leadership at major tech firms, defense contractors, and financial institutions.
Programs Offered
- BS in Cybersecurity (within CS program) — 4 years, on-campus
- MS in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Bank of America, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, Lockheed.
Location Advantages: Adjacent to Manhattan financial services sectorProximity to major tech company officesAccess to enterprise and financial institution security teams
Best Master's Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Newark, New Jersey
Princeton University — Near Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: Princeton combines world-class theoretical computer science with direct access to faculty conducting foundational cryptography and systems security research published at top security conferences.
Princeton's approach to cybersecurity bridges theoretical rigor and practical application through its computer science graduate program, which allows students to specialize in security systems, cryptography, and network defense. The program benefits from faculty working at the intersection of mathematics, systems design, and policy—researchers actively publishing in top-tier venues like ACM CCS and IEEE S&P. What sets Princeton apart is the expectation that cybersecurity work connects to real-world impact: students engage with both foundational questions (how do we prove a system is secure?) and urgent problems (securing critical infrastructure, countering advanced threats). The program draws on Princeton's historic strength in mathematics and theoretical computer science while maintaining applied labs where students implement and test security solutions. Proximity to major financial institutions and government agencies creates natural research collaborations and internship pathways. Graduates typically move into roles at leading tech companies, national laboratories, and government agencies where they work on cutting-edge defense systems and emerging threat landscapes.
Programs Offered
- M.S. in Computer Science (Security specialization) — 2 years, on-campus
- Ph.D. in Computer Science (Security track) — 5-6 years, on-campus
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Information Technology Policy
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, National Security Agency.
Notable Faculty
- Prateek Mittal — Network security, privacy-preserving systems, anonymity networks
Location Advantages: Proximity to New York financial sector and cybersecurity industry hubsAccess to government research funding and collaborations
Stevens Institute of Technology — Near Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: Research-driven CS-grounded cybersecurity program with emphasis on cryptography, secure systems design, and theoretical foundations—positioned for both immediate industry and PhD-track careers.
Stevens' cybersecurity program merges rigorous computer science foundations with applied security research, positioning graduates for both immediate industry roles and advanced technical careers. The curriculum spans cryptographic theory, software security, network protocols, and privacy-preserving systems—taught with mathematical depth that distinguishes Stevens from programs emphasizing only tool proficiency. Students access dedicated cybersecurity labs and participate in capture-the-flag competitions and security challenges that build competitive skills. The program benefits from Stevens' location in Hoboken, directly across the Hudson from Manhattan's financial district and enterprise tech centers, enabling internships and industry guest interactions. Faculty conduct active security research in areas like blockchain security, secure systems design, and privacy technologies, creating opportunities for motivated students to contribute to published work. The master's program attracts both recent CS graduates and experienced professionals seeking to deepen security expertise or transition into security leadership. Stevens emphasizes that cybersecurity is fundamentally applied computer science; students gain not just security tools and techniques, but the theoretical grounding to invent new security approaches. Graduates move into roles spanning security engineering, cryptography, research, and technical leadership at major tech firms, defense contractors, and financial institutions.
Programs Offered
- BS in Cybersecurity (within CS program) — 4 years, on-campus
- MS in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Bank of America, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, Lockheed.
Location Advantages: Adjacent to Manhattan financial services sectorProximity to major tech company officesAccess to enterprise and financial institution security teams
Rutgers University-New Brunswick — Near Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: Rutgers integrates hands-on security labs and multi-disciplinary coursework across CS, engineering, and policy to create security professionals equipped for complex enterprise and infrastructure challenges.
Rutgers' cybersecurity initiative stands out for its multi-disciplinary infrastructure spanning computer science, electrical engineering, and policy schools—allowing students to build security expertise alongside knowledge of systems hardware, software architecture, and regulatory frameworks. The undergraduate and graduate programs feature hands-on labs where students work with real network infrastructure, malware analysis tools, and penetration testing environments. Faculty actively pursue research in areas like intrusion detection, cloud security, and IoT protection, with students embedded in projects that directly feed into industry challenges. The program intentionally connects to Rutgers' strengths in systems research and maintains partnerships with both government agencies and technology companies seeking talent. What makes Rutgers distinctive is the accessibility of this research and lab work to both graduate and undergraduate students—not sequestered in advanced tracks. Career outcomes show strong placement in mid-Atlantic tech companies, government contractors, and finance sector security roles, with many graduates moving into rapid-advancement paths at Fortune 500 companies.
Programs Offered
- B.S. in Computer Science (Cybersecurity focus) — 4 years, on-campus
- M.S. in Computer Science (Cybersecurity track) — 2 years, on-campus
- Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity — 1 year, on-campus
Research Labs and Institutes
- WINLAB
- Cybersecurity Research Center at Rutgers
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Verizon.
Notable Faculty
- Srinivas Narayana — Network security, software-defined networks, systems security
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Central New Jersey location with access to NYC and Philadelphia tech ecosystemsProximity to major financial and healthcare sector companiesClose relationships with government agencies and defense contractors
New Jersey Institute of Technology — Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: NJIT uniquely integrates undergraduate students into active cybersecurity research, preparing them for advanced technical and research-oriented security careers.
NJIT's cybersecurity program leverages the institution's research intensity and proximity to Newark's tech ecosystem to deliver both depth and breadth in threat intelligence, network security, and systems hardening. The program is distinguished by its research integration—undergraduates participate in cybersecurity research projects from sophomore year onward, collaborating with faculty and graduate students on real threat analysis and defense innovation rather than disconnected lab exercises. NJIT maintains partnerships with government agencies and Fortune 500 tech companies, creating pathways into roles requiring security clearances and specialized expertise. The curriculum covers traditional network and application security alongside emerging domains like cloud security and threat intelligence, ensuring graduates understand both legacy infrastructure and modern attack surfaces. Faculty researchers are active in conferences and publish regularly, exposing students to current research frontiers in malware analysis, vulnerability research, and adversarial machine learning. The program's emphasis on measurement and analysis—understanding threats through data—appeals to students comfortable with statistics and scripting. NJIT's location in the New Jersey tech corridor and relationships with established tech companies provide internship opportunities at scale. Graduates often enter security research roles, advanced threat analysis positions, or security engineering tracks at major tech companies and defense contractors.
Programs Offered
- BS in Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus
- MS in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- PhD in Cybersecurity (offered through Computer Science) — 5-6 years, on-campus
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity Research Lab
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Cisco (corporate)
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (government)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Newark tech hub and emerging startupsAccess to major tech company offices in New Jersey and New YorkGateway to government contractor and defense sector employers
Best Doctoral Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Newark, New Jersey
Princeton University — Near Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: Princeton combines world-class theoretical computer science with direct access to faculty conducting foundational cryptography and systems security research published at top security conferences.
Princeton's approach to cybersecurity bridges theoretical rigor and practical application through its computer science graduate program, which allows students to specialize in security systems, cryptography, and network defense. The program benefits from faculty working at the intersection of mathematics, systems design, and policy—researchers actively publishing in top-tier venues like ACM CCS and IEEE S&P. What sets Princeton apart is the expectation that cybersecurity work connects to real-world impact: students engage with both foundational questions (how do we prove a system is secure?) and urgent problems (securing critical infrastructure, countering advanced threats). The program draws on Princeton's historic strength in mathematics and theoretical computer science while maintaining applied labs where students implement and test security solutions. Proximity to major financial institutions and government agencies creates natural research collaborations and internship pathways. Graduates typically move into roles at leading tech companies, national laboratories, and government agencies where they work on cutting-edge defense systems and emerging threat landscapes.
Programs Offered
- M.S. in Computer Science (Security specialization) — 2 years, on-campus
- Ph.D. in Computer Science (Security track) — 5-6 years, on-campus
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Information Technology Policy
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta, National Security Agency.
Notable Faculty
- Prateek Mittal — Network security, privacy-preserving systems, anonymity networks
Location Advantages: Proximity to New York financial sector and cybersecurity industry hubsAccess to government research funding and collaborations
Rutgers University-New Brunswick — Near Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: Rutgers integrates hands-on security labs and multi-disciplinary coursework across CS, engineering, and policy to create security professionals equipped for complex enterprise and infrastructure challenges.
Rutgers' cybersecurity initiative stands out for its multi-disciplinary infrastructure spanning computer science, electrical engineering, and policy schools—allowing students to build security expertise alongside knowledge of systems hardware, software architecture, and regulatory frameworks. The undergraduate and graduate programs feature hands-on labs where students work with real network infrastructure, malware analysis tools, and penetration testing environments. Faculty actively pursue research in areas like intrusion detection, cloud security, and IoT protection, with students embedded in projects that directly feed into industry challenges. The program intentionally connects to Rutgers' strengths in systems research and maintains partnerships with both government agencies and technology companies seeking talent. What makes Rutgers distinctive is the accessibility of this research and lab work to both graduate and undergraduate students—not sequestered in advanced tracks. Career outcomes show strong placement in mid-Atlantic tech companies, government contractors, and finance sector security roles, with many graduates moving into rapid-advancement paths at Fortune 500 companies.
Programs Offered
- B.S. in Computer Science (Cybersecurity focus) — 4 years, on-campus
- M.S. in Computer Science (Cybersecurity track) — 2 years, on-campus
- Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity — 1 year, on-campus
Research Labs and Institutes
- WINLAB
- Cybersecurity Research Center at Rutgers
Industry Partners
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Verizon.
Notable Faculty
- Srinivas Narayana — Network security, software-defined networks, systems security
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Central New Jersey location with access to NYC and Philadelphia tech ecosystemsProximity to major financial and healthcare sector companiesClose relationships with government agencies and defense contractors
Stevens Institute of Technology — Near Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: Research-driven CS-grounded cybersecurity program with emphasis on cryptography, secure systems design, and theoretical foundations—positioned for both immediate industry and PhD-track careers.
Stevens' cybersecurity program merges rigorous computer science foundations with applied security research, positioning graduates for both immediate industry roles and advanced technical careers. The curriculum spans cryptographic theory, software security, network protocols, and privacy-preserving systems—taught with mathematical depth that distinguishes Stevens from programs emphasizing only tool proficiency. Students access dedicated cybersecurity labs and participate in capture-the-flag competitions and security challenges that build competitive skills. The program benefits from Stevens' location in Hoboken, directly across the Hudson from Manhattan's financial district and enterprise tech centers, enabling internships and industry guest interactions. Faculty conduct active security research in areas like blockchain security, secure systems design, and privacy technologies, creating opportunities for motivated students to contribute to published work. The master's program attracts both recent CS graduates and experienced professionals seeking to deepen security expertise or transition into security leadership. Stevens emphasizes that cybersecurity is fundamentally applied computer science; students gain not just security tools and techniques, but the theoretical grounding to invent new security approaches. Graduates move into roles spanning security engineering, cryptography, research, and technical leadership at major tech firms, defense contractors, and financial institutions.
Programs Offered
- BS in Cybersecurity (within CS program) — 4 years, on-campus
- MS in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Bank of America, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, Lockheed.
Location Advantages: Adjacent to Manhattan financial services sectorProximity to major tech company officesAccess to enterprise and financial institution security teams
New Jersey Institute of Technology — Newark, NJ
Key Distinction: NJIT uniquely integrates undergraduate students into active cybersecurity research, preparing them for advanced technical and research-oriented security careers.
NJIT's cybersecurity program leverages the institution's research intensity and proximity to Newark's tech ecosystem to deliver both depth and breadth in threat intelligence, network security, and systems hardening. The program is distinguished by its research integration—undergraduates participate in cybersecurity research projects from sophomore year onward, collaborating with faculty and graduate students on real threat analysis and defense innovation rather than disconnected lab exercises. NJIT maintains partnerships with government agencies and Fortune 500 tech companies, creating pathways into roles requiring security clearances and specialized expertise. The curriculum covers traditional network and application security alongside emerging domains like cloud security and threat intelligence, ensuring graduates understand both legacy infrastructure and modern attack surfaces. Faculty researchers are active in conferences and publish regularly, exposing students to current research frontiers in malware analysis, vulnerability research, and adversarial machine learning. The program's emphasis on measurement and analysis—understanding threats through data—appeals to students comfortable with statistics and scripting. NJIT's location in the New Jersey tech corridor and relationships with established tech companies provide internship opportunities at scale. Graduates often enter security research roles, advanced threat analysis positions, or security engineering tracks at major tech companies and defense contractors.
Programs Offered
- BS in Cybersecurity — 4 years, on-campus
- MS in Cybersecurity — 2 years, on-campus
- PhD in Cybersecurity (offered through Computer Science) — 5-6 years, on-campus
Research Labs and Institutes
- Cybersecurity Research Lab
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Cisco (corporate)
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (government)
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Newark tech hub and emerging startupsAccess to major tech company offices in New Jersey and New YorkGateway to government contractor and defense sector employers
