Talent
Colorado Technology Association supports Colorado’s technology sector by bringing businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies together to explore actionable steps we can collectively take to address some of the industry’s most pressing workforce challenges. Our talent initiatives include Tech Talent Denver and our Tech Certification & Training Program, in partnership with Google and CompTIA, which support Colorado’s tech ecosystem.
Tech Certification & Training Program
Google Professional Certificates
CTA’s Tech Certification & Training Program provides eligible individuals the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications through Grow with Google in Data Analytics or Cybersecurity and career-development training through a cohort program designed to support career pathways in the technology industry (see below for program eligibility). This no-cost program is for individuals looking to better understand career pathway opportunities in data analytics and cybersecurity, to deepen their technical skills, or to transition careers into select technical roles in the technology industry. The cohort program includes access to Google certificate programs through Coursera in a self-paced, virtual format. Program participants can work through the course content on their own schedule. Our next cohort program will be September 9th – December 13th. Career development workshops are offered virtually on select dates during the program. This training opportunity is for individuals seeking to earn Google certificates and career development skills alongside peers in an online community and with the guided support of the CTA team. No experience is required and all are welcome to apply!
Apply August 19th!
CTA will accept applications for our next Google training cohort from August 19th – September 6th. Please check back for the link to the application during the submission window. The final cohort program of 2024 will be September 9th – December 13th.
CompTIA eLearn + Labs and Certifications
Colorado Technology Association is offering virtual training and exam vouchers for select CompTIA programs for eligible individuals looking to take the next step in developing their technical skills and advancing their careers in the technology industry. This opportunity is for individuals looking to access virtual, completely self-paced training and/or exam vouchers through CompTIA. CertMaster Learn is a comprehensive eLearning solution developed exclusively by CompTIA. CertMaster Learn is interactive, self-paced and provides hours of interactive content aligned with the CompTIA exam objectives.
CTA will offer eLearn + Labs to eligible individuals for the following CompTIA programs for a limited time (see below for program eligibility):
- CompTIA ITF+ Certification Training – an introduction to basic IT knowledge and skills
- CompTIA A+ Certification Training – the industry standard for starting a career in IT
- CompTIA Security+ Certification Training – a global certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career
- CompTIA Data+ Certification Training – an early-career data analytics certification for professionals tasked with developing and promoting data-driven business decision-making
Certificate exam vouchers are offered to eligible individuals for a limited time for the following CompTIA exams (see below for program eligibility):
Eligibility
Colorado Technology Association’s training programs are offered, in whole or in part, through federal award number SLFRF0126 awarded to the State of Colorado by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This includes funding appropriated to the Colorado Workforce Development Council through HB21-1264. Program participants must meet one of the following to be eligible for training and certificate exams:
- Individuals who qualify for certain federal assistance programs
- Households residing in a Qualified Census Tract (QCTs)
- Individuals who experienced an economic loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as lost or adverse changes in employment, increased food or housing insecurity, or withdrawal from school.
Program Requirements:
- Ability to navigate online platforms and perform internet search
- Proficient in English (reading and writing)
- Colorado resident
Please complete an application if you are interested in any of the programs listed above. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please move forward with completing an application, and a member of the CTA team will follow up with you.
Questions?
If you have questions about the programs listed above or are interested in learning more about opportunities to earn tech talent certifications in the CTA programs, reach out to Eryn Mercer-Niehues at eryn@coloradotechnology.org.
* The funding, in whole or in part, for the technology training programs offered through CTA is through federal award number SLFRF0126 awarded to the State of Colorado by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This includes funding appropriated to the Colorado Workforce Development Council through HB21-1264.
Tech Talent Denver
Tech Talent Denver focuses on identifying the workforce challenges businesses face and connecting them to relevant resources and training providers within Colorado. Each month we convene businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions and government agencies to share insights, learn more about technology industry trends and highlight training providers and talent pipelines with individuals seeking opportunity in the tech industry. We invite industry leaders to join the conversation and help identify opportunities to create meaningful impact across the tech ecosystem. If you are interested in learning more about Tech Talent Denver, reach out to Deidra Smith at deidra@coloradotechnology.
Engage With Us
We understand that your company wants access to impactful programs that align with your community and employee engagement needs. CTA provides a variety of talent-focused opportunities for you and your organization to engage and make an impact, including those listed below. Interested in learning more? Please reach out to eryn@coloradotechnology.org.
- Host a workshop at our annual SheTech Explorer Day Colorado event
- Get involved in Colorado Technology Association’s Women in Tech programs
- Attend a Tech Talent Denver monthly meeting
- Become a mentor for the Tech Certification & Training Program
- Support your team with upskilling training opportunities through the Tech Certification & Training Program
Colorado Technology Association Foundation
Since 1994, the Colorado Technology Association has supported education and workforce initiatives, and 2014 marked the launch of our 501(c)(3) Foundation, bringing this support full circle.
Colorado Technology Association Foundation attracts, retains and grows top technology talent to elevate Colorado’s technology talent pipeline and grow Colorado’s economy.
Our signature foundation event, SheTech, is a one-day event for 9th and 10th grade female-identifying students featuring hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) alongside professionals from a variety of backgrounds and industries. This event provides Colorado companies the opportunity to educate, develop and lead tomorrow’s female-identifying champions towards careers in an inclusive technology-based workforce. To learn more about getting involved with SheTech reach out to megan_c@coloradotechnology.org.
Support our tech talent-focused programs and initiatives by getting involved and/or donating.
