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Leading tech industry association added to state’s Eligible Training Provider Lists.

Job training centres and workforce development agencies across Montana are invited to team with CompTIA to prepare job seekers for the technology workforce even if they have little or no experience in tech.

CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the tech industry and workforce, announced it is included on Montana’s Eligible Training Provider Lists. This allows local and state workforce development agencies to use Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds to pay for tech workforce training programmes delivered by CompTIA.

On Nov 1, CompTIA will host a free webinar, Montana Tech Workforce Trends, examining employment opportunities for job seekers in the tech sector, and offering insight and advice for workforce development professionals. Information and registration are available at Montana Tech Workforce Trends.

“Despite the fact that the tech industry has a high demand for talent and low barriers to entry, many people think they don’t have the right background, experience or skills to succeed in the tech workforce,” said Nancy Hammervik, chief workforce solutions officer, CompTIA. “Our training programme addresses that confidence gap and opens doors to good jobs with good salaries and clear paths for career advancement.”

Montana employers advertised more than 3,500 job openings for technology workers through the first nine months of 2023. These open positions cover a range of tech occupations in a variety of industries throughout the state.

The median wage for a tech occupation in Montana is estimated at $72,873, which is 90% higher than the median wage for all occupations in the state. For specific occupations, an early career IT support specialist can earn a median annual salary of $48,880; a mid-career network administrator, $77,340; and an advanced career cybersecurity analyst, $81,080.

CompTIA currently offers the CompTIA A+: IT Support Specialist programme in Montana. This programme prepares students to take the certification examinations for CompTIA A+, an internationally recognised professional credential that’s the industry standard for starting a career in tech.