CompTIA Commends Louisiana Public Schools on Inclusion of Cyber Engineering as a New Pathway to Graduation

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Mar 16, 2015, 10:30 ET

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., March 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Adding cyber engineering as a new Jump Start pathway to graduation in Louisiana public high schools will increase awareness of career opportunities in the high-tech workforce and give students an early advantage in their pursuit of those careers, according to CompTIA, the IT industry association.

"Bringing a cyber-curriculum into the classroom and providing students with opportunities to earn cutting-edge industry certifications assures that Louisiana high school graduates will be well prepared to embark on a tech career or pursue advanced studies," said Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO, CompTIA.

"We applaud the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Cyber Innovation Center, New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy, Bossier Parish schools and the Department of Education for taking this important step."

Earlier this month the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education added 11 new categories – including cyber engineering – to its Jump Start graduation pathways initiative. This program guides students on how they can graduate from high school with a Jump Start Career Diploma by taking courses and attaining industry credentials relevant to an industry sector.

Within the cyber engineering pathway, students will have opportunities to earn up to four CompTIA certifications: IT Fundamentals, A+, Network+ and Security+.

"Earning any of these credentials will give students a proven advantage when they enter the job market," Thibodeaux noted.

A 2015 CompTIA study found that two-thirds of HR executives believe IT certifications are very valuable in the hiring process; and 94 percent expect their importance to grow over the next two years. Among the benefits to employers of having job candidates and staff with IT certifications:

Saves time and resources in evaluating candidates.
Ensures credibility.
Provides a baseline set of knowledge.
Certified hires are able to get up to speed more quickly.
Longer retention.
Higher likelihood of being promoted.
Better job performance than non-certified IT staff.

Louisiana experienced a 20-percent increase in job postings for tech occupations from Q3 2013 to Q4 2014, according to CompTIA's Cyberstates 2015™ report, the definitive state-by-state analysis of the U.S. tech industry.

The state is home to more than 4,800 tech companies, which employ more than 45,000 individuals. Additionally an estimated 51,800 people hold tech jobs in other industries. The average tech industry wage in Louisiana is $71,500, significantly above the average wage for all private sector jobs ($44,400).

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world's IT industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications and public policy advocacy. To learn more visit CompTIA online, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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SOURCE CompTIA