CompTIA launches programme to ex-military professionals

CompTIA has launched a programmed for ex-service personnel struggling to find jobs,in a bid to narrow the skills gap.The reseller’s Armed for IT Careers programme provides a route for ex-military professionals to learn about a career in IT,find the right training, find out about resettlement funding and to gain qualifications to secure their first IT job.

Besides supporting veterans gain employment, the programme provides information for training providers and employers interested in training and recruiting ex-service personnel.Western Europe director at CompTIA, said:Military professionals often have strong business,communication and technical skills and a good work ethic,which are all much in demand in the IT industry.There are a wide range of jobs for which someone with military training and leadership skills would be a perfect fit.

He added: We believe the problem has been that,until now,there has been nothing that clearly outlines the opportunities,then helps them train and certify the technical skills they need to make the transition.We believe this is a real missed opportunity both for the IT industry, which needs great people,and for hard-working military leavers who want to contribute to society back home.

Armed for IT Careers takes candidates through three steps to find their first IT job:

• Learn: Identify IT training providers who are experienced at training ex-military professionals and approved by the MOD for resettlement training funding.
• Certify: Find and take the qualifications to demonstrate you have the skills for an IT career.
• Work: Search for jobs in your area and specialisation.

 Followed the Armed for IT Careers path, when he left the Navy after 23 years.He became certified in CompTIA Network+, an entry-level qualification for network engineer roles.The forces have a big advantage in IT partly because they often have the right skills to get in,but also because the financial packages available to those leaving the military are well suited to the well-defined training and certification routes into IT.