CompTIA Calls for Creation of Global IT Workforce Council

Public-private initiative will identify effective strategies to build IT workforce

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Aug 02, 2011, 09:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CompTIA, the non-profit trade association, announced today it is launching a new initiative to bring together industry, academic and government leaders to address the global need for skilled technology workers.

The announcement of the new Global IT Workforce Council was made at CompTIA Breakaway, the premier annual event for the IT channel. More than 1,100 IT channel leaders are attending the conference, which continues through Thursday, Aug. 4.

"The council will bring together leaders from the public and private sectors to identify and promote current strategies and develop new ideas to address the need for large numbers of skilled IT workers both in the United States and in other countries," said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA.

The council will be comprised of up to as many as 15 members, drawn from CompTIA membership; other IT industry leaders; the academic, education and training communities; and leading government advocates who share a common interest in developing new waves of IT workers. The full roster of council members will be announced later this year.

"Although many individuals and organizations are addressing the workforce issue, these efforts are often narrowly-focused on immediate, short-term needs," Thibodeaux continued. "The council will take the best of these individual efforts and turn them into a broader, more unified strategy that extends beyond a single corporate boardroom or national border."

One key message the council intends to promote is that a rewarding, long-term career in IT can be about more than just technical skills.

"While many jobs require individuals to attain a high level of technical expertise, there are many other IT-related opportunities in sales and marketing, client relations, project management and logistics," said Elizabeth Hyman, vice president, public advocacy, CompTIA. "Attracting the best and brightest in all business areas is crucial to the long-run success of the IT industry."

The council will focus its initial discussions on the U.S. market, but will extend its activities into other major countries around the world.

"While IT is a global business, important geographic differences exist and must be addressed," said Hyman.

With more than 1.5 million certifications awarded worldwide, CompTIA is the world's largest provider of vendor-neutral certifications for IT professionals. CompTIA certifications are the recognized industry standards for a broad range of technology skills.

About CompTIA

CompTIA is the voice of the world's information technology (IT) industry. As a non-profit trade association advancing the global interests of IT professionals and companies, CompTIA is the recognized authority for IT education and credentials and the primary advocate for IT businesses and workers. Through its foundation, CompTIA also enables disadvantaged populations to gain the skills they need for employment in the IT industry. CompTIA's vision of the IT landscape is shaped by more than 25 years of global perspective and more than 2,000 members and 1,000 business partners. For more information, visit www.comptia.org or follow CompTIA on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/comptia.

SOURCE CompTIA