itSMF USA Lends a Hand to Unemployed IT Professionals

itSMF USA announced today that it has joined forces with the creator of the Headway Program, Jeanette Smith from one-3-right, part of the SED-IT Consortium to help unemployed IT professionals who are anxious to increase their marketability by earning an industry-recognized certification in IT Service Management or Project Management. Other Dallas area partners and members of he IT Service Management community including EXIN, Optimize!, New Horizons of MN, Van Haren Publishing, Process Catalyst Solutions, True Solutions Inc., Quick-Cater and the University of Dallas, have also joined and will be providing an array of in-kind goods and services to offer the training and certification at a drastically reduced cost.

In addition to providing ITIL® publications at cost, the not-for-profit association of IT service management professionals will provide graduates of the program a 3-month membership in the itSMF USA.

"Our mission is about advancing IT Service Management best practices through knowledge sharing, educational and networking opportunities. Current economic conditions have heightened the need for both individuals and organizations to be effective and efficient, whether it is in delivering IT services or in elevating their skills to regain a rewarding position" said itSMF President Sallie Kennedy.

In their recent Compensation Report, BC Management reported that the average total US FTE compensation for certified ITIL Practitioners and Service Managers is $100,671 and $126,125 respectively. The ITIL® Service Management framework, which has evolved since the 1980s, has long seen widespread adoption by Fortune 500 companies and in Europe and is increasing in adoption by smaller businesses and the public sector in the US. In addition to focusing on effective and efficient operation, it stresses alignment with the needs of the business. Procter & Gamble, recipient of the 2008 itSMF USA Project of the Year award, reported saving $5 million as a result of its ITIL® implementation. Many other organizations have also reported successful cost-saving results.

"We are proud to be a part of this initiative that can help to improve the lives of members of our community" concluded Kennedy.

Additional information including how to contact the Headway Program is available on the itSMF USA web site at www.itsmfusa.org or at www.practical-itsm.com/headway

Source: http://www.pr-inside.com