Ex-armed forces staff urged to consider career in IT

CompTIA has launched an outreach programme to help educate former military personnel about retraining and finding jobs in the IT industry.

The IT trade association's Armed for IT Careers campaign aims to provide them with information about IT training and job opportunities, as well as details about how to fund their change in career.

Furthermore, it will also offer help to training providers and employers that are interested in assisting former members of the armed forces acquire new skills.

The programme's launch follows the Government's decision in 2012 to cut the armed forces' funding, which is expected to result in tens of thousands of job losses by next year.

As a result, CompTIA said it wants to offer people faced with the prospect of returning to civilian life help finding a career that suits them through the launch of its www.armedforITcareers.org website.

Graham Hunter, western Europe director at CompTIA, said military professionals often boast skills that would stand them in good stead for a career in IT.

"Military professionals often have strong business, communication and technical skills and a good work ethic, which are all much in demand in the IT industry," said Hunter.

"There are a wide range of jobs for which someone with military training and leadership skills would be a perfect fit."

CompTIA said the website is setup to guide users through a three-step process to finding their first job in IT, by helping them identify suitable training providers, access information about gaining relevant qualifications and finding jobs afterwards.

"We believe the problem has been that, until now, there has been nothing which clearly outlines the opportunities, then helps them train and certify the technical skills they need to make the transition," added Hunter.

"We believe this is a real missed opportunity both for the IT industry, which needs great people, and for hard working military leavers who want to contribute to society back home".