THE FULL STORY
Designing a Custom IT Training Solution: After assessing the 40 students’ IT knowledge base, CompTIA designed a custom, high- quality assessment, training and certifications solution, meeting Mission EDC’s timing, operational logistics and budget. With 20 years as the leading provider of IT certifications and a nonprofit status, CompTIA consistently provides superlative training that is cost effective compared to for-profit training solutions. Delivering High-Quality Training: During the rigorous, accelerated 8-week program, CompTIA delivered on-site, best- in-class training, tailored to meet diverse learning preferences of the students. CompTIA also provided learning content; instructor-guided labs for complete immersion; and, CertMaster, a test prep software. THE RESULTS Upon completing the comprehensive training program, the 40 participants were offered, and some validated, their IT knowledge by earning several CompTIA certifications: A+, Network+, Security+ and Cybersecurity Analyst+. CompTIA’s vendor-neutral skills certifications are employer-driven. Job roles are the cornerstone of our IT certifications. Many employers rely on certifications as a screening or hiring criteria during recruitment. • 100 percent of students completing the Mission, TX, training program earned their A+ and Network+ certifications. • These graduates were certified to work and fill the growing need in Mission, TX for a robust IT talent pipeline. • Mission, TX has strategically attracted and retained financially vibrant businesses in the local community. “These programs offered by TWC provide local workforce boards with an opportunity to partner with organizations and foster programs that will provide our local workforce with in-demand skills training that lead to high paying sustainable careers,” said Francisco Almaraz, Workforce Solutions CEO.
THE CHALLENGES Like most communities along the US/Mexico border, Mission, Texas, which is located in the Rio Grande Valley has: • sizable unemployed and underemployed populations, consisting primarily of minorities; • challenges attracting new, larger employers into the community; • and employers seeking to fill their IT skills gaps, especially regarding cybersecurity. A CompTIA analysis found that employers across Texas posted job openings for 38,190 core IT positions in Q4 2017; and for more than 165,479 tech jobs in 2017. THE SOLUTION In early 2017, the Mission Economic Development Corporation (EDC) formed a strategic partnership with CompTIA, the world’s largest nonprofit IT association. These organizations collaborated to design a comprehensive program to recruit, train and place unemployed and underemployed individuals in higher-paying IT careers, with a focus on cybersecurity. By providing a trained IT pipeline, Mission EDC would be well-poised to attract, grow and retain leading-edge businesses requiring IT security skills. Workforce Solutions and Mission EDC conducted successful recruitment outreach to thousands of local individuals, with a demographic focus on minorities and women. Several hundred people entered the screening phase, during which CompTIA conducted an assessment of each applicant’s IT knowledge base. After thorough vetting, 40 participants met the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act’s basic eligibility requirements and were admitted to the IT training program.
“This collaboration between Mission EDC and CompTIA will benefit both the local community and its workforce,” said Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “Texas’ labor force is the backbone of the Texas economy. It is made up of hard-working individuals who are eager to obtain the skills that our employers need.”
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, please visit CompTIA.org.
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© 2018 CompTIA Properties, LLC, used under license by CompTIA Certifications, LLC. All rights reserved. All certification programs and education related to such programs are operated exclusively by CompTIA Certifications, LLC. CompTIA is a registered trademark of CompTIA Properties, LLC in the U.S. and internationally. Other brands and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks or service marks of CompTIA Properties, LLC or of their respective owners. Reproduction or dissemination prohibited without written consent of CompTIA Properties, LLC. Printed in the U.S. 05212-May2018
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