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324 people have completed training and certification so far, with more programs planned in 2019

Austin, Texas – Career training programs across Texas are leading examples of how public entities and the private sector can meet the growing demand for trained and certified technology workers, according to CompTIA, the leading technology industry association.

CompTIA, through its industry-leading certification program, is engaged in several programs around the state for adult career changers and military personnel transitioning to civilian life. The goal is to equip participants with the training, skills and credentials needed to join the tech industry workforce.

An estimated 963,400 people work in the tech industry throughout Texas, according to CompTIA’s annual Cyberstates™ report. But employers also posted job openings for nearly 200,000 additional positions.

“The tightening labor market is catching up to some industries, but in the tech space it’s been a reality of doing business for many years,” said Mark Plunkett, senior director for business development with CompTIA.

The unemployment rate for computer occupations nationwide was 2.1 percent in December compared to an overall unemployment rate of 3.9 percent.

“Short-term training opportunities in occupations with high demand, such as CompTIA’s cybersecurity training, allows for more individuals in our growing workforce to obtain important skills from which they can build a career,” said Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “This type of cooperation and innovation between the public and private sectors will continue to keep Texas competitive.”

Since CompTIA launched its custom cybersecurity training pathway in 2017, 324 Texans have earned a certification, with more programs planned in 2019.

Two recent programs took place in El Paso and Mission.

In El Paso, Texas’ sixth largest city and home to Fort Bliss, the largest U.S. Army training center in the country, approximately 500 veterans make the transition from active duty to civilian life each month.

Workforce Solutions Borderplex partnered with CompTIA to offer transitioning veterans and their spouses the opportunity to train for and obtain five job-driven tech certifications leading to placement in cybersecurity job roles. Two classes have completed the intense 12-week training program. Graduates from the first class earned five in-demand IT certifications and are now employed with salaries ranging from $57,000 to $110,000 a year.

“The program’s focus on cybersecurity skills is particularly relevant,” said John Hershey, business development manager for CompTIA. “Nationwide, there were more than 313,000 job listings for cybersecurity-related positions from September 2017 through August 2018. In Texas, employers had nearly 25,000 open cybersecurity positions in the same time frame.”

The Mission Economic Development Corporation formed a strategic partnership with CompTIA to create a comprehensive program to recruit, train and place unemployed and under-employed individuals into higher-paying technology jobs, with a focus on cybersecurity. Some 40 people were enrolled in the program, with many earning CompTIA’s industry-recognized certifications.

CompTIA certifications have helped IT professionals around the world start and grow in their careers. Since 1993, Texans have earned more than 150,000 CompTIA certifications, helping the state to attain its status as a major player in the global tech industry.

For more information visit the CompTIA IT Workforce Hub at https://certification.comptia.org/it-career-news/hub/it-workforce.

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About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading voice and advocate for the $5 trillion global information technology ecosystem; and the more than 50 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.

CompTIA is the global leader in vendor-neutral technical certifications in skills ranging from IT support and networking, to cybersecurity and cloud computing. More than 2.5 million CompTIA certifications have been awarded to technology professionals around the world. Operating in more than 100 countries, CompTIA works closely with thousands of academic, training and content partners to ensure students and professionals have the tools they need to enter and excel in the tech workforce. Visit www.comptia.org to learn more.

Contacts:

For Media Inquiries
Steven Ostrowski
Director, Corporate Communications
sostrowski@comptia.org­
630-678-8468

For Information on Working with CompTIA
John Hershey
Business Development Manager
jhershey@comptia.org
210-278-2198