Air gaps can function in networks that don’t need to have much data coming in or out. This used to be the case for industrial controls systems and maybe weapons systems. But even when I’ve talked with industrial control systems experts on it, they recommended against it, because the gap will be plugged due to operational necessities whether you like it or not. Often it ends up being dirty USB drives bypassing your security that you have no control over. I strongly believe that the volume of external data processing needed by AI research means airgapping is impractical.
If someone has enough IT skills to get an entry-level position, I would encourage them to take that route. If they don’t, then I would nudge them towards a degree that both will help to motivate them and to gain a credential to help them get in the door.
I think you’re right here. It tends to be senior people who have that capability, and there’s not enough of them in the industry. What makes this especially hard for us is that EAs tend to be younger and early to mid-career.