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Jan 20, 2010
Free Training & Certification from CompTIA Educational Foundation Helps Dislocated Workers Launch IT Careers
Certifications Help Workers Find New Tech Careers
Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., January 20, 2010 - To help Americans retrain for new technology careers, the CompTIA Educational Foundation offered free information technology (IT) training and certification through its Creating Futures program to nearly 200 dislocated workers last year, and hopes to increase that number by 50 percent this year.
Last year, Creating Futures trained 825 individuals in need, from U.S. military veterans and individuals with disabilities to youth-at-risk and dislocated workers, to help them launch careers in IT, a record 163 percent annual increase. Eleven percent of the dislocated workers who received training already have found employment in IT.
The Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index and Skills Report for the first quarter of 2010 shows that there will be a new 3 percent increase in hiring activity amongst chief information officers (CIOs) this quarter. Plus 42 percent of CIOs are confident that their companies will invest in IT projects in this quarter.
"While the economy continues to improve, some workers are still struggling to put food on the table and take care of their families. Education and certifications give professionals the boost they need to differentiate themselves and gain employment," said John Venator, president and CEO of the CompTIA Educational Foundation. "We help individuals who counted themselves out and show them the way to a financially stable and rewarding career."
The Foundation’s staff reviews more than 1,000 online training applications each month and helps applicants evaluate if an IT career fits with their talents and interests. The Foundation then gives free online training toward CompTIA certifications — which are known throughout the IT industry as reliable predictors of employee success and are therefore some of the best ways to break into the IT field. The Foundation staff works with participants to help them identify which certifications are best suited for them and leads them through the training process.
CompTIA's July 2009 study, "Perspectives on IT Training and Certification," shows that 78 percent of American IT certification holders believe in the value of certifications and would recommend the certification path to anyone considering an IT career.
"Our formula for career success does work," added Venator. "Take the story of one of our Creating Futures participants, Patrick, a dislocated worker from Illinois, who’s successfully passed his CompTIA A+ exam last week."
"I am deeply grateful to CompTIA and the Foundation for the opportunity your organization has provided," said Patrick. "The past three years, following a series of mergers and other career developments, have left me in a critical financial situation. However, the skill-set I have developed through the CompTIA A+ program already has enabled me to become more entrepreneurial, and helped me put food on the table for my two daughters. In addition to my other part-time jobs, I recently began offering basic computer troubleshooting and repair services to families and small business owners in my community. Earning my A+ certification will not only give me credibility but also the confidence to approach an even broader range of companies for business opportunities, while further expanding the types of companies I can approach for securing full-time employment."
"Patrick exemplifies the type of hard-working Americans who now find themselves needing a new career and simply require a little help to get started," commented Venator. "Though Creating Futures and other innovative programs from CompTIA, we’re working to get Americans back on the road to financial stability and long-term career fulfillment."
Individuals and companies can make a donation and prospective participants can apply for training by visiting the CompTIA Educational Foundation Web site, http://www.CompTIA-EF.org.
About the CompTIA Educational Foundation
The CompTIA Educational Foundation provides career opportunities for individuals who historically have been under-represented in the IT workforce. With the support of individuals, industry leaders, companies and the government, the Foundation creates programs aimed at helping U.S. veterans, at-risk youth, women, minorities, dislocated workers, and individuals with disabilities to obtain the technical and business skills employers require. Since its creation in 1998, the Foundation has helped more than 1,000 individuals enter the IT workforce, helping the industry alleviate its shortage of skilled workers. For more information or to make a donation to the CompTIA Educational Foundation, visit http://www.CompTIA-EF.org.
About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, visit www.comptia.org.
Donor Contact:
Dennis Zimmerman
Executive Director
CompTIA Educational Foundation
630-678-8477
dzimmerman@comptia-ef.org
Media Contact:
Lisa Fasold
Communications
CompTIA Educational Foundation
703-509-1124
lfasold@gmail.com
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