After launching the Ticket to Tech Program in the fall of 2022, ConnectWise and CompTIA have announced the inaugural graduating class from their innovative and collaborative education and skills training program.  

With the rapid evolution of technology and a hiring crisis throughout the tech world, industry leaders need to urgently address the IT skills gap if they want to continue hiring and retaining valuable talent to enhance profitability. By combining the expertise of ConnectWise and CompTIA, the Ticket to Tech Program addresses this critical issue by equipping potential new hires with the skills they need to thrive in these entry-level roles and continue to grow.  

"The tech industry's skills gap has been an ongoing issue, especially for managed service providers (MSPs) facing talent shortages," said Jen Locklear, chief people officer, ConnectWise. "That's why we were so excited to address this crisis by developing the Ticket to Tech program in partnership with CompTIA. It's even more satisfying to see these graduates a year later, ready to enter the workforce,"

Seven months ago, ConnectWise and CompTIA launched the Ticket to Tech program in response to the 120-Day Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Sprint, a national effort to increase job opportunities across the cybersecurity industry.  

The Ticket to Tech Program is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce while also serving as a pipeline for graduates seeking entry-level positions in IT. It has quickly become a valuable tool for later-stage career changers, as well. With 47% of this year's participants already possessing a bachelor's degree or higher, these candidates often bring years of professional experience and a unique perspective to their new roles.  

The 17-week program equips students with a combination of technical and durable skills necessary to thrive in today's workforce. Additionally, the curriculum incorporates career readiness training, mock interviews and resume assistance. Upon graduating, students will receive a CompTIA certification, deeming them eligible for job placement with ConnectWise partners.  

To date, the Ticket to Tech program has trained 283 job seekers, and more than two-thirds of those students have qualified for the CompTIA certification. With more than 50 ConnectWise Evolve partners engaged in the program, recent graduates are provided the opportunity to interview with an array of industry-leading IT companies, and some have already received job offers.    

"The ConnectWise Ticket to Tech program is an excellent example of corporate enterprise partnering with the industry to solve the need for tech talent," said Nancy Hammervik, chief solutions officer, CompTIA. "Hundreds of individuals are unlocking their potential and building the confidence to join the tech workforce thanks to ConnectWise, which is creating on-ramps to jobs with great earning potential and advancement opportunities."

TSPs interested in hiring Ticket to Tech graduates or those forming and expanding apprentice programs can click here to learn more and to register.

In other news, ConnectWise and Channel Program are excited to announce Battle Royale — Channel Edition 2023, a premier industry event that brings together the best of Channel Program's Channel Pitch and ConnectWise's PitchIT. This interactive, virtual competition will showcase the innovations of 26 emerging technology companies while offering them the unparalleled experience of presenting their solutions to a diverse audience of prospective buyers such as MSPs, internet service providers and managed security service providers.

Created by ConnectWise in 2018, PitchIT is a dynamic, 16-week accelerator program dedicated to incubating growth in their MSP startup partners. The program aims to spark innovation and fuel growth for companies that build solutions that integrate with the ConnectWise platform, helping to make partners more efficient, profitable and secure. Each participating vendor has the unique opportunity to undergo a thorough business evaluation, receive guidance from industry thought leaders and potentially secure a joint initiative with ConnectWise.

Battle Royale is designed as a preliminary competition to select three finalists from the PitchIT Class of 2023 who will then each showcase their work at IT Nation Connect on Nov. 8-10, 2023. Battle Royale is held as a virtual event, is open to the public, and will take place on Aug. 24, 29 and 31. During the event, participating vendors will present a five-minute pitch about their integrative product. Each session will last approximately 90 minutes and highlight eight to nine vendors. The virtual nature of this event allows attendees from across the world to take part in selecting finalists and to vote for the company they believe presents the most innovative and transformative initiative.

"This event further illustrates ConnectWise's continued dedication to fueling growth for companies who build solutions that integrate with our platform," said Sean Lardo, evangelist, ConnectWise. "We are committed to investing in our partners as they showcase their hard work and continued successes at Battle Royale. And we are proud to create educational, innovation driven opportunities to move this community forward."

"We are thrilled to take this competition to new heights this year in the same fan-favorite format," said Matt Solomon, cofounder and chief business development officer, Channel Program. "This event has evolved into an essential platform for innovative vendors to showcase their offerings and receive valuable feedback from MSPs. Our commitment to fostering growth and collaboration within the IT industry remains unwavering, and this year's event promises to be a testament to that commitment."

Battle Royale finalists will be matched with a coach to refine their pitches which will be presented live at IT Nation Connect 2023. Following finalists' presentations, judges will choose the first-, second- and third-place winners, granting first place $70,000 and second place $30,000, for a total of $100,000 in prize money.

To register for the event and vote for this year's competitors, visit https://info.channelprogram.com/battleroyale.