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Sue Wallace, Executive Director of National Workforce Solutions, encourages Phoenix-area employers to mark their calendars for April job interviews — and adds that candidates interested in the next Phoenix IT-Ready course should submit applications online now.

Phoenix — The inaugural IT-Ready class in Phoenix will graduate on April 12, according to Creating IT Futures, CompTIA’s tech workforce charity. Sue Wallace, executive director of national workforce solutions for Creating IT Futures, encourages hiring managers to consider the workplace-ready job candidates IT-Ready produces.

“IT-Ready has a successful track record of producing knowledgeable technologists who hit the ground running for their employers,” Wallace said. “IT-Ready graduates bring to the workplace a useful blend of hard technical skills and softer professional skills that make them perfect for entry-level positions in IT services and support.”

IT-Ready class is provided to students completely free of charge, thanks to financial support from the Cognizant U.S. Foundation and in partnership with Wounded Warrior Project, with additional support from Arizona@Work, Arizona’s workforce development network.

“For anyone wanting a career in technology, this is a smart training option. Creating IT Futures and the IT-Ready class in the City of Phoenix create a remarkable opportunity for job candidates to receive high-value training in an industry that continues to expand,” said Rob Stenson, business and workforce development center supervisor, Arizona@Work. “In Downtown Phoenix alone, the number of technology companies has increased from 67 in 2012 to more than 320 in 2019. There are many positions open for trained workers. This is a great opportunity for employers to connect with individuals who are trained and ready to work.”   

How IT-Ready Works
IT-Ready is an eight-week, classroom-based, instructor-led program that teaches a wide range of hardware and software skills people need to secure entry-level IT positions. Just as importantly, IT-Ready also teaches critical “soft” skills, such as workplace etiquette, communication, teamwork and colloboration, critical thinking and problem solving, and customer service.  

At the end of IT-Ready training, students sit for the CompTIA A+ certification exam, also offered free of charge. This vendor-neutral certification has become the IT industry's preferred qualifying credential for an entry-level tech role. 

IT-Ready Launched To Help Fill Phoenix’s Tech Skills Gap
Despite recent turbulence in the U.S. stock market, the nation’s economy is growing — and the demand for tech workers is increasing. With a serious shortage of qualified tech workers in America, thousands of jobs as helpdesk technicians or roles testing software are available across the country, typically offering double the national wage.  

“The tech industry needs a bigger pool of job candidates, and IT-Ready is doing just that — creating a bigger pool of job candidates,” Wallace said.  

According to CompTIA’s Cyberstates 2018 report about the tech industry, nearly 200,000 new jobs were added, while employers posted 2.8 million job openings.

No previous tech experience is necessary to participate in IT-Ready, and only a high school diploma or GED is required.

“IT-Ready is giving opportunity to people who otherwise lack access because of under-representation, unemployment and under-employment,” Wallace said. “We are taking those individuals and giving them the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a newly launched tech career.”

Phoenix-area businesses interested in reviewing resumes of certified IT-Ready graduates and interviewing these qualified candidates for entry-level IT positions should contact Ryan Withem at rwithem@comptia.org or visit https://www.creatingitfutures.org/hire/hire-overview.

Second Class Commences May 6; Applications Due April 5
Wallace urged prospective IT-Ready candidates to submit their applications online now for Phoenix’s second IT-Ready class. The course begins May 6, and the application deadline is April 5. Prospective students can apply at https://www.creatingitfutures.org/apply.

IT-Ready students receive free tuition, books and learning materials, more than 240 hours of training, and certification vouchers. Classes run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every weekday for eight weeks.

Creating IT Futures helps diversify Phoenix’s tech industry by opening career doors to a wider demographic. Populations traditionally under-represented in the IT workforce, such as women, people of color and veterans, are encouraged to apply. By working with dozens of local employer partners, Creating IT Futures places about 86 percent of its graduates nationwide into full-time employment in the tech industry.

About Creating IT Futures
Founded in 1998 by CompTIA, Creating IT Futures is a 501(c)(3) charity with the mission of helping populations under-represented in the information technology industry and individuals who are lacking in opportunity to prepare for, secure and be successful in IT careers. Learn more at www.creatingITfutures.org.

Media Contact:
Lisa Fasold
Creating IT Futures
630-678-8558
LFasold@comptia.org