CompTIA's ANZ channel community to provide free pre-career tech training

Trade association CompTIA and its ANZ channel community has launched an initiative to give free pre-career tech training to students across the region.

CompTIA will give away free courseware materials and certification exam vouchers to 3000 students aged 25 and under with the goal of having them certified in CompTIA IT Fundamentals, a pre-career professional certification on basic technology knowledge and skills to help determine if a career in IT is suitable for the students.

ANZ channel community members will also work with their professional networks to bring students and educational institutions into the program.

“The technology field is rich with career opportunities, whether you work for an ICT company or in another industry that relies on tech to conduct its business,” said James Bergl, APAC regional director for Datto and chair of the CompTIA ANZ channel community.

“But getting that message out to young people who are beginning to think about their career options has been a major challenge for our industry. Our free training and certification program will address that issue head on.”

CompTIA launched IT Fundamentals in 2014, with a new version released in 2018. The course is designed for advanced end users and students that are considering a career in IT.

Some of the skills covered include using features and functions of common operating systems and establishing network connectivity; identifying common software applications and their purpose; and using security and web browsing best practices.

Eligible students who participate in the program will receive free video training and a self-study e-book, as well as a complementary exam voucher.

CompTIA community vice chair and ASI Solutions head of services Daniel Johns said the campaign “comes at a crucial time” for the IT industry.

“Companies continue to seek out new tech talent to fill existing employment shortages and to expand into new areas of emerging technologies.”

Students interested in joining the program can apply here.