Press Releases

CompTIA Statement on the Administration’s Executive Order on Apprenticeships

Jun 15, 2017

WASHINGTON – CompTIA, the world’s leading technology association, released the following statement from CompTIA’s executive vice president for public advocacy Elizabeth Hyman on the White House’s executive order on apprenticeships.

“Our nation is at a critical crossroads as we expect a 1.8 million shortfall in unfilled tech jobs by 2024. Our national priority has to be focused on filling tech jobs with well-trained workers. The promise of emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles and Smart Cities rely on investments that need to be made today. Growing the number of quality apprenticeships in the tech sector is surely a part of that down payment.  

“The Trump administration’s executive order looks to make apprenticeships easier for companies by removing barriers that have hindered the widespread adoption of these programs in the past. Still, there are many programs that help businesses to identify and train candidates for apprenticeships that meet rigorous standards.  The tech sector should work with federal and state authorities to find ways to distinguish these programs so that employers and students and workers are afforded the best opportunity to succeed. 

“While we’re at it, Congress should also introduce and pass CompTIA’s proposed legislation to boost apprenticeships even further. The Championing New Careers and Employees in Technology (CHANCE in TECH) Act expands on work already being done by industry and intermediaries focused on employer hiring needs, assessing potential workforce, train them, and mitigating some costs to the employer by allowing them to pay reasonable salaries to their apprentices while they acquire the skills today’s economy demands.  We hope to work with Congress to introduce and pass this legislation.”

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CompTIA: Building the Foundation for Technology's Future
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the world's leading technology association, with approximately 2,000 member companies, 3,000 academic and training partners, over 100,000 registered users and more than two million IT certifications issued.  CompTIA's unparalleled range of programs foster workforce skills development and generate critical knowledge and insight –  building the foundation for technology’s future.

About CompTIA Advocacy
Through its advocacy arm, CompTIA champions member-driven business and IT priorities that impact all information technology companies – from small managed solutions providers and software developers to large equipment manufacturers and communications service providers. CompTIA gives eyes, ears and a voice to technology companies, informing them of policy developments – and providing the means to do something about it. 

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