CompTIA Newsroom

Organizations are collaborating on a comprehensive training and employment program to develop cyber talent

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Executives from CompTIA and ConnectWise are participating in today’s closing event for the conclusion of the national Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Sprint.

The White House, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Commerce, other federal agencies and private sector partners launched the sprint in July to address the cybersecurity field's current job openings and long-term job quality and retention issues. As a result of this national effort, there are more than 170 cybersecurity programs in development and more than 7,000 apprentices that have been hired in fewer than 120 days.[1]

Jen Locklear, chief people officer at ConnectWise, the world’s leading software company dedicated to the success of IT solution providers; and Amy Kardel, senior vice president for workforce relationships at CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the IT industry and workforce, are among the tech industry leaders participating in today’s celebration.

Together the two organizations are expanding the nation’s cybersecurity and technology workforce through a Registered Apprenticeship program that pairs new IT professionals trained and certified by CompTIA with technology businesses that are members of the ConnectWise partner community.

“The conclusion of the National Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Sprint is an important milestone that we are proud to be a part of, but work to develop cyber talent continues,” Kardel said. “Each day we are reminded of the cyber threats that we face as individuals, as organizations and as a nation. The strongest defenses begin with a cyber workforce that is highly trained and certified. CompTIA’s commitment to building that workforce is unwavering.”

“It’s encouraging that an issue like the need for increasing cybersecurity talent is taken so seriously by our government and communities,” said Locklear. “ConnectWise is honored to participate in this important milestone and eager to connect our partners with the talented apprentices who will come out of CompTIA’s training programs.”

In the 12-month period ending in September 2022, U.S. employers listed 769,736 openings for cybersecurity positions or jobs requiring cybersecurity skills, according to  CyberSeek™, the cybersecurity workforce analytics platform developed by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education at NIST, Lightcast and CompTIA. Employer demand for cybersecurity workers grew 2.4 times faster than the overall rate across the U.S. economy in that period.

CompTIA and ConnectWise offer training, certification and employment opportunities in high-demand tech occupations, including cybersecurity support technician. Training is based on National Guideline Standards created by CompTIA and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. These standards detail the competencies in technical and employability skills that apprentices need to join the IT workforce.

ConnectWise, through its extensive network of IT service providers, is the employer partner in the apprenticeship initiative. These service providers deliver technology solutions and support to small, mid-size and large customers in all industries and locales, placing them on the front line of cybersecurity support for businesses. Dozens of service providers have already expressed interest in participating in the apprenticeship program.

About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading voice and advocate for the $5 trillion global information technology ecosystem; and the estimated 75 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 unlocking the potential of the tech industry and its workforce. https://www.comptia.org/

About ConnectWise
ConnectWise is the world's leading software company dedicated to the success of IT solution providers (TSPs) through unmatched software, services, community, and marketplace of integrations. ConnectWise offers an innovative, integrated, and security-centric platform—Asio™—which provides unmatched flexibility that fuels profitable, long-term growth for partners. ConnectWise enables TSPs to drive business efficiency with automation, IT documentation, and data management capabilities. And increase revenue using remote monitoring, cybersecurity, and backup and disaster recovery technologies. For more information, visit connectwise.com.

Media Contact
Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
sostrowski@comptia.org
630-678-8468 

[1] US Department of Labor highlights the benefits of Registered Apprenticeships as National Apprenticeship Week 2022 launches, Nov. 14, 2022.