Plano PC Company Joins National CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech Program

RGB CustomPC, a local company that makes gaming computers, has been accepted to a prestigious national program from CompTIA, a nonprofit associated focused on the IT industry and workforce, and Maher & Maher, a provider of successful apprenticeship initiatives.

The CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech is meant for businesses that want to diversify their tech teams. The benefits are two-fold: Employers can upskill and reskill workers, while potential employees are connected to future careers in IT.

CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech can boost staff skills—and future growth

The new program is timely, as highly skilled tech talent is in demand as digital transformation accelerates and the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Partner orgs CompTIA and Maher & Maher say tech is needed in every industry—and the talent pool must better reflect “the growing diversity of today’s workforce.”

The ultimate goal? CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech aims to diversify the IT workforce across the U.S.

Meeting employer needs

CompTIA said the program allows employers to improve employee engagement and retention, thus increasing productivity. They can also meet their current and longer-term needs for IT professionals.

Companies that join the program are offered guidance on how to staff tech professionals in a way that offers opportunities for a more diverse set of individuals, like women, people with disabilities, and people of color. Companies of all sizes are invited to participate.

For individuals who wish to participate as apprentices on their own, classroom-based and hands-on training is offered to help with the transition from a job to a career. CompTIA certifications are also available.

U.S. Department of Labor funding

CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech is also open to educators and other providers. The program can assist in launching initiatives, improving pathways for job seekers and students, and shifting to competency-driven skill attainment.

CompTIA and Maher & Maher were chosen by the U.S. Department of Labor to participate in the national apprenticeship initiative to make it easier to launch or join registered tech apprenticeship programs. The U.S. Department of Labor funds the program.

It’s built upon the Registered Apprenticeship Program model, which means it has been validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.

RGB CustomPC joins in

The most recently announced participant is RGB CustomPC, a Plano-based designer of custom-built desktop PCs for gaming, streaming, esports, and more.

Holly Millay, who co-founded RGB CustomPC in 2019 with her husband, Sean Benedict, says they’ve been using the CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech to upskill their current employees and create a long-term plan to attract talent.

They were also taught how to provide education, training, and career advancement to new team members. “We emphasize professionalism, leadership, communication, accountability and excellence which are all things we see in this program,” Millay says.

“As our business has evolved, the need for qualified technical support specialists has increased.”

Wide-ranging training

The training covers a wide spectrum, from workplace behaviors and leadership skills to customer service and technical aptitude. It’s heavily needed, Millay says, as RGB CustomPC continues to experience the rapid growth she and her husband anticipate over the next few years.

“Apprenticeships are a proven method for developing the tech talent that any business needs,” Amy Kardel, vice president for strategic workforce relationships at CompTIA, said in a news release. “We’re pleased to welcome RGB CustomPC to the program and look forward to working with them as they grow their business and create new career opportunities for more people.”

How to apply

Employers interested in joining the CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech program can apply online. It’s also open to individuals who want to become apprentices.