Press Releases

Jefferson City, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development has partnered with CompTIA, one of the world’s largest nonprofit trade associations, to provide in-demand, on-demand information technology training to displaced workers in Missouri.

The Office of Workforce Development, in collaboration with the Local Workforce Development Boards, will utilize CARES Act funding to offer training to 1,000 Missourians looking to skill up and get back to work. Enrollment is now open through Dec. 4, 2020. Those who complete the CompTIA training will receive professional certification in one of three programs: CompTIA A+ (Information Technology), CompTIA Security+ (Cybersecurity) or CompTIA Project+ (Project Management).

In order to help the state of Missouri recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, CompTIA will deliver these three unique, mentored-learning training programs in a flexible and streamlined process, which can be completed in as few as eight weeks.

“We are extremely grateful for this opportunity to partner with CompTIA as we help Missourians receive valuable job training with a quick turnaround time,” said Dr. Mardy Leathers, director of workforce development. “Along with the state’s ongoing Return Strong campaign, CompTIA will help strengthen our workforce and advance careers.”

CompTIA trains students with little-to-no information technology or project management experience and helps them develop the technical and soft skills to launch their career. Offering both entry and advanced level IT and project management trainings, these programs are offered completely online, and at each student’s own pace. CompTIA will provide virtual mentorship and resources to help ensure success and completion of the programs.

“The technology workforce is one of the largest and fastest growing segments of the U.S. labor market, even amidst the continuing uncertainties of COVID-19,” said Mark Plunkett, senior director, global training operations and business development, for CompTIA Custom Training. “By committing resources to this unique training program Missouri has taken a positive step to expand the state’s tech workforce. More importantly, the state is opening the door to new career options for some of its citizens. CompTIA is prepared to lend its full support to this effort.”  

Information Technology jobs are some of the most in-demand in Missouri, with computer occupations projected to grow 13 percent from 2018-2028. According to the Cyberstates™ 2020 report, the U.S. technology industry has added an estimated 1.9 million new jobs over the past decade. The tech sector accounts for approximately 10 percent of the total U.S. economy, making it one of the largest industries.

Between 2010 and 2019 the tech workforce in Missouri grew by 22.4 percent and now totals nearly 212,000 technology professionals. The estimated median tech occupation wage in Missouri is $73,441, which is 83 percent higher than the median state wage for all occupations.

Over the 12-month period from September 2019 through August 2020, Missouri employers posted job openings for more than 61,000 technology positions, an 11 percent year-over-year increase, according to data from Burning Glass Technologies Labor Insights. More than 30,000 of these job openings were advertised during the first six months of 2020.

To be eligible for free CompTIA training, applicants must be over 18 years old, and have been laid off or furloughed because of COVID-19.

Those interested must qualify for Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, and may be asked to take two assessments through their local Missouri Job Center to see if they are eligible. For more information on how to apply for free IT training with CompTIA, visit jobs.mo.gov/returnstrong.

About the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development: The department works to empower Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. More information about MDHEWD can be found at https://dhewd.mo.gov or on Facebook and Twitter @MoDHEWD.