S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Partners with worldwide technology leader, CompTIA, to provide I.T. training opportunities for South Carolina businesses

Columbia, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce is excited to announce a partnership with CompTIA, a nationally renowned I.T. association. This partnership gives businesses the opportunity to train and certify their employees in one of two programs that will help develop IT proficiency at no cost to the business. This training is offered to South Carolina businesses through the CompTIA Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) Scholarship Program. IWT helps reskill and upskill current employees, and this training will help businesses address current and future tech talent needs.

The two certification options are A+ and Security+. The 16-week A+ training program provides workers with the fundamentals of computer hardware and software, as well as the skills needed for positions such as Data Support Technicians, Help Desk Technicians, Desktop Support Administrators, and Technical Support Specialists. The 8-week Security+ training program provides workers with an understanding of network security, identifying and mitigating security threats, and the skills needed for positions such as System Administrators and Security Administrators.

“We continue to hear about the challenges businesses face in finding tech talent in an ever-changing cyber landscape. Retraining existing employees is one way to advance a company’s workforce and retain workers,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director, Dan Ellzey. “The CompTIA IWT Scholarship Program demonstrates the agency’s continued focus on training the workforce while helping employers grow their businesses.”

Technology, with all of its strengths and vulnerabilities, is a critical necessity in today’s workforce. Whether it is adapting to new efficiencies or processes, fixing old systems, implementing new systems, or protecting data, having a workforce trained in critical tech skills can enhance a business’ overall productivity. The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce continues to boost the state’s cyber talent as the technology industry expands and cyber liabilities increase throughout the country. CompTIA seeks to provide solutions to the challenges businesses face with tech talent.

“The lightning-like pace of innovation makes it essential for IT professionals to keep their skills current, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity and networking,” said Mark Plunkett, Vice President for Education Services and Business Development for the CompTIA Tech Career Academy. “This program is both timely and highly relevant. CompTIA is pleased to team with South Carolina on this important initiative to keep the state’s tech workforce on the leading edge.”

Businesses can find out more information and apply for the South Carolina CompTIA IWT Scholarship Program at https://www.comptia.org/landing/south_carolina/index.html.