The Computing Technology Industry (CompTIA) Educational Foundation announced today that a donation from Ricoh Americas Corporation, a leading provider of digital office equipment, will expand training options for participants in its Creating Futures program.
Ricoh Americas, through its Ricoh University program, has donated 100 seats for free online training for use by qualified candidates from the Creating Futures program.
Creating Futures is providing career opportunities in the information technology industry to veterans transitioning out of the military; individuals with disabilities; at-risk youth; and dislocated workers. The program works with employers to identify their hiring needs, then tailors education and training programs to help individuals obtain the skills employers are looking for.
“Since its founding in 1981, Ricoh University has delivered comprehensive technical and sales instruction that’s second to none in our industry, so the addition of this training option to Creating Futures is a tremendous boost for our program,” said Dennis Zimmerman, director, CompTIA Educational Foundation.
While students are training, Ricoh University will provide the Creating Futures team with bi-weekly reports detailing each student’s progress. Students will have access to 24-hour online mentoring through Ricoh University, and can work at their own pace. No additional materials are needed for the online training.
Zimmerman went on to explain that students will benefit greatly from donations similar to Ricoh’s because it makes access to training sites and materials available to students no matter where they are located in the United States. After students earn their certification, Creating Futures will assist them with internship or employment opportunities by connecting with CompTIA members in the student’s geographical area.
The following CompTIA certifications are available through Ricoh University:
* CompTIA A+
* CompTIA Network+
* CompTIA Server+
* CompTIA Security+
Ricoh Americas Corporation, founded in 1962, is headquartered in West Caldwell, NJ and is a subsidiary of the $17 billion Ricoh Company Ltd., the 71-year-old leading supplier of office automation equipment.
For more information, or to make a donation, please visit www.creatingfutures.us.
About CompTIA
In 2007, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Just as the IT industry it serves has grown, CompTIA has also enjoyed remarkable growth over the past 25 years. The organization was founded by representatives of five micro-computer dealerships working together to find better ways to do business. Today, CompTIA has more than 22,000 member companies in over 100 countries around the world; and serves as the voice of the world’s $1 trillion-plus IT industry. CompTIA is committed to advancing the long-term success and growth of the IT industry by helping organizations maximize the benefits they receive from their investments in technology; and by helping individuals to obtain the skills and credentials they need for productive careers in IT. For more information, please visit: www.comptia.org.