London – An exploratory learning programme to build technical skills as preparation for careers in information technology (IT) will be offered to citizens of the Greater Manchester and Lancashire regions by CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the IT industry and workforce.
Tech Discovery is a four-week virtual learning experience designed to help individuals build their technical skills in cybersecurity, data analytics, systems and networking and software engineering. Fifty virtual classroom openings are available in the two sessions – one each for Manchester and Lancashire residents – that begin on 1 March.
“Employers in many sectors of the economy, from technology and aerospace to finance and healthcare, have positions to fill within their technology teams,” said Graham Hunter, CompTIA’s vice president for skills certification in EMEA. “With the rigorous training delivered in the Tech Discovery programme we believe people can be readied quickly to fill some of these openings, including individuals who have never considered a career in tech.”
UK employer job postings for core IT positions totaled 198,805 in Q4 2020. That was nearly equal to the pre-pandemic number in Q1.[1]
Tech Discovery learners receive four weeks of instruction through live online classes – available in afternoon or evening sessions – using industry standard content, including eLearning, cloud-powered virtual labs and practice exams. They will also receive instruction in career readiness skills with information and guidance on CV building, creating an effective digital presence and developing industry-relevant soft skills.
At the conclusion of the course participants will gain an internationally recognised certification – CompTIA IT Fundamentals. This certification validates that the holder has the essential IT skills and knowledge needed to complete tasks commonly performed by advanced end-users and entry-level IT professionals alike, demonstrating their readiness for the digital workplace.
Tech Discovery graduates also will be helped to transition to an entry level job role and further learning, including apprenticeships, junior role and Fast-Track programmes.
“Individuals who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic or due to automation, as well as people looking for a career change or returning to the workforce are encouraged to apply,” said Zeshan Sattar, director of learning skills and certifications at CompTIA. “We’re also seeking applicants from diverse gender identities and ethnic backgrounds.”
Candidates will be selected to join the Tech Discovery programme by a panel of assessors.
To apply for the Tech Discovery programmes in Manchester and Lancashire visit https://www.comptia.org/content/lp/tech-discovery.
About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading voice and advocate for the $5 trillion global information technology ecosystem; and the estimated 75 million industry and tech professionals who design, implement, manage, and safeguard the technology that powers the world’s economy. Through education, training, certifications, advocacy, philanthropy, and market research, CompTIA is the hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce. Visit www.comptia.org.
Media Contact
Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
+1 630-678-8468
sostrowski@comptia.org
[1] CompTIA UK IT Employment Snapshot, February 2021, https://www.comptia.org/content/research/comptia-uk-it-employment-snapshot
Steve Ostrowski
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
(630) 678 - 8468
sostrowski@comptia.org
Roger Hughlett
Director, Corporate Communications
(202) 503 - 3644
rhughlett@comptia.org
Follow us on social media to keep up to date on CompTIA.
Download CompTIA logos and assets from our press releases to use in your article or write-up.
Access Now$2 trillion – Estimated direct economic impact of the U.S. tech industry, representing 8.8% of the national economy.
582,000 – Number of tech business establishments in the U.S.
9.1 million – U.S. net tech employment at the end of 2022.
286,400 – Estimated number of new technology jobs added in the U.S. in 2022.
4.1 million – Number of postings by U.S. employers for tech job openings during 2022.
