CompTIA offers online ICT training for Aus, NZ citizens

The ANZ Business Technology Community of CompTIA is offering free online training and certification exam vouchers, for its CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) credential, for citizens of Australia and New Zealand. CompTIA ITF+ is the only pre-career certification that helps people gauge their interest in ICT and whether a career in technology is right for them.

“Whether you are a student exploring career options, a displaced worker looking for a new opportunity or simply someone who wants to expand their understanding of ICT, we invite you to take part in this unique opportunity,” said Loraine Vorster, CompTIA’s Vice President for Business Development for ANZ and Africa.

CompTIA authorised partners DDLS and Cyber Train will support the program with free virtual workshops during November and December for all participants, and a variety of experiences for learners who complete their CompTIA IFT+ certification.

Jon Lang, CEO of DDLS, said there is an abundance of opportunities for those looking to advance their career in the ICT field, especially those focused on moving into a cybersecurity role.

“There is a legitimate skills gap in Australia for security professionals, and for those individuals looking to start a career in IT with the goal to become a security professional, there is no better time than now to do this,” said Lang.

The Australian Government estimates that more than 90% of its citizens will need to use some level of digital skills at work within the next five years. Adnan Syed, Principal Consultant and Senior Technical Trainer at Cyber Train Australia, noted that a digital skills culture in the workplace increases business productivity, can increase revenue and allows strong customer relationships.

“Working knowledge and business use of electronic devices, networks, cybersecurity, communications systems and data analysis are essential job criteria in the technological age. We need to do more to make sure that digital skills gap does not become a skills crisis,” said Syed.

New Zealand’s tech sector has experienced 12% annual growth, with technology exports reaching an estimated $950 million. Approximately 75,000 people are employed in ICT-related roles. Daniel Johns, cCair of the CompTIA ANZ Business Technology Community, said it’s more important than ever for organisations within the industry to do what they can to close the skills gap in the ICT industry.

“CompTIA is in a unique position as not only an industry advocate, but a globally recognised certification body as well. We hope the adoption of this initiative will be widely received,” said Johns.

CompTIA IFT+ allows individuals to explore the foundations of technology, allowing them to expand their knowledge of basic digital skills. For some, IFT+ can serve as the starting point for a career in technology; for others, understanding the fundamentals of technology will help them in any career.

Participants in the program will receive a CompTIA IFT+ self-study e-book and a certification exam voucher, along with access to a virtual workshop and an ITProTV video course. CompTIA has awarded approximately 2.7 million certifications to ICT professionals in 232 countries, helping them to validate their skills and advance their careers.

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