In a significant milestone for PDS Manage, team members William Vallecio, Stephen Graham, Wade Jacobs, and Trey Ransom have successfully earned their CompTIA A+ certifications. This achievement is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the support of their colleagues and mentors.

Understanding CompTIA A+ Certification

The CompTIA A+ certification is a highly respected credential in the IT industry, earned by passing a set of two exams created by IT professionals. This certification validates the essential skills required for entry-level IT jobs, encompassing a broad range of knowledge areas such as networking, operating systems, mobile devices, and security. Unlike other certifications that may focus on a single domain, CompTIA A+ ensures candidates are well-rounded and prepared to troubleshoot and solve a variety of issues, making it relevant for multiple job roles.

Learn more here: https://www.comptia.org/faq/a/what-is-comptia-a-certification 

Personal Stories and Motivations

William Vallecio: From Oil Fields to IT
William Vallecio, a Help Desk Specialist I, transitioned from working in the oil field to pursuing a career in IT. “I decided I wanted to change careers and the CompTIA A+ was my first step in that journey. It was challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see how far I’ve come,” he shared. William’s determination and willingness to embrace a new field have been key to his success. His advice to others is simple but powerful: “Just don’t give up. If you have a dream to be in IT, go ahead and do it.”

Stephen Graham: Continuing the Journey
Stephen Graham, a Help Desk Specialist II, recounted his father’s long-standing involvement with technology. “My dad passed his A+ years ago, and getting the chance to go through it myself and share that experience with him was really cool,” he shared. Stephen’s journey was driven by a desire to solidify his place in the IT field and to take advantage of the opportunity to obtain certifications provided by PDS Manage. Stephen’s advice emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation: “Study, study, and study some more. The test is tough, but with dedication, it’s achievable.”

Wade Jacobs: A Fresh Start
Wade Jacobs, also a Help Desk Specialist I, reached out to CyberWyoming after graduating from a school in Montana, struggling to find a job. CyberWyoming assisted him with his resume and cover letter, ultimately leading to his hiring at PDS Manage. For Wade, the CompTIA A+ certification was a critical starting point for his IT career. “It helps you get started and build confidence, especially when you’re just beginning,” he explained. Wade advocates for diverse study methods, combining reading, practice exams, and hands-on experience to fully grasp the material.

The Journey and Impact

The journey to achieving the CompTIA A+ certification was not without its challenges. The team members dedicated countless hours to studying, note-taking, and practicing with mock exams. They supported each other through this rigorous process, creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

William faced a unique challenge when a computer glitch prevented him from taking the test on the scheduled day. Despite this setback, he persevered and successfully passed the exam later, marking it as a significant breakthrough in his career.

The impact of obtaining the CompTIA A+ certification has been profound for the team. William noted, “It’s already impacting our work. We’re able to troubleshoot more effectively and handle a broader range of issues.” This certification has enhanced their confidence and competence, enabling them to tackle technical problems with greater efficiency and skill.

Insights from Timothy Chenoweth

Timothy Chenoweth, PDS Managing Partner and Team Leader, expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishments. “We are incredibly proud of our Support Services Team, who have truly come into their own over the past months. Starting from their initial steps in the IT field, they have grown into a unit that diligently cares for our clients with unparalleled dedication. Our rigorous training program has played a significant role in this transformation, ensuring that every team member is fully equipped to excel in all aspects of their roles.

As of July 1, every member of the team has surpassed all training requirements, demonstrating exceptional professional and technical skills. This achievement is reflected in the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our clients and a remarkable 65% improvement in company workload and efficiencies. We are well on our way to achieving our next set of goals, thanks to their hard work and commitment.

The friendly rivalry within the team has been a driving force behind their success. Over the last three months, they have collectively earned eight industry-level professional certifications and 32 vendor-level certifications. Their achievements extend to multiple milestones in the CyberWyoming program, and they are poised to advance to the next level.

This competitive spirit, combined with a strong support system within the team, has not only enhanced their professional development but also fostered a culture of continuous learning and excellence. We are excited to see what they will accomplish next as they continue to set new standards in the IT support industry.”

Looking Ahead

The success of William, Stephen, Wade, and Trey in earning their CompTIA A+ certifications is a powerful example of the impact of tech certifications and apprenticeships. Their stories illustrate the transformative potential of dedication, support, and the right opportunities. As they continue to grow and set new standards in the IT support industry, their achievements inspire others to pursue their own dreams in technology.

About PDS Manage: PDS Manage is a Managed Service Provider (MSP) offering comprehensive IT solutions to businesses in Wyoming and Colorado. They prioritize building strong partnerships with their clients, starting with in-depth conversations to understand their unique needs and challenges. Their commitment is to deliver exceptional service and support, helping clients achieve their goals.

Learn more here: https://pdsmanage.com/

About CyberWyoming: Founded in 2017, CyberWyoming, a 501(c)6 nonprofit, promotes the cybersecurity welfare and prosperity of the Wyoming business community including hands-on, high-touch education of small business stakeholders and technical registered apprenticeship. Learn more here: https://cyberwyoming.org/