-- 2,000 Aussies enhance their digital skills through free learning program; limited number of online courses still available Some 2,000 Australians have enhanced their knowledge about the fundamentals of information communications technology (ICT) through a free online course offered by CompTIA, the leading trade association for the information technology industry and workforce, and its ANZ Business Technology Community. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/320820/comptia_logo.jpg The learning centered on CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+), a pre-career certification to help individuals expand their digital skills and understanding of ICT concepts and to gauge their interest in a career in technology. A limited number of free CompTIA ITF+ online courses are still available to Australian citizens. Visit https://www.comptia.org/content/lp/itfanz for details and registration. Among those individuals completing the course and earning the CompTIA ITF+ certification is Alexandra Claughton of Perth. She was selected as the winner of a scholarship from DDLS (https://www.ddls.com.au/ ), Australia's largest provider of corporate IT and process training and a CompTIA Authorized Partner. DDLS has supported the CompTIA ITF+ learning program by providing free virtual workshops and awarding the scholarship. In her application Claughton said the scholarship award "would allow me to learn more about cybersecurity, an area incredible passionate about and help make me more employable upon my graduation." "In turn, this would help kick-start my career and help me realise my dream of becoming a successful cybersecurity professional and a mentor for other young women interested in technology," Claughton added. Jon Lang, CEO of DDLS, the largest ICT training company in Australia said the building of digital skills has never been more important and there is an abundance of opportunities for those looking to take their career further within the ICT field, especially those focused in moving into a cyber security role. " As CompTIA's leading training partner, DDLS is proud to have supported this terrific initiative from CompTIA through the delivery of IT Fundamentals workshops for participants in the program and to be able to award a scholarship to Alexandra so she can complete the Certified Cybersecurity Professional (Essentials) course run by our RTO arm, The Australian Institute of ICT (AIICT)," Lang said. "Alexandra's story is the most compelling among many strong submissions that we received," said Nancy Hammervik, CompTIA's executive vice president for industry relations and CEO of the CompTIA Tech Career Academy. "Throughout her schooling she's been one of few, and often, the only woman in a technology class," Hammervik continued. "Through it all Alexandra has persevered and thrived. Even beyond her personal career goals, she is committed to mentoring other young women interested in working in technology. Alexandra is destined to do great things in her career." CompTIA ITF+ offers learners the opportunity to build their fundamental understanding of the foundations of ITC, from computer hardware, operating systems and software to networking technologies and protocols, cybersecurity and cutting-edge technologies such as cloud computing and virtualisation. Visit https://www.comptia.org/certifications/it-fundamentals to learn more. About CompTIA The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading voice and advocate for the $5 trillion global information technology ecosystem; and the estimated 75 million industry and tech professionals who design, implement, manage, and safeguard the technology that powers the world's economy. Through education, training, certifications, advocacy, philanthropy, and market research, CompTIA is the hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce. Visit https://www.comptia.org/. Media Contact Steven Ostrowski CompTIA sostrowski@comptia.org +1 630.678.8468 SOURCE: CompTIA