Thomas Reilly is the Chief Product Officer for CompTIA. He is a product leader with deep experience creating profitable, high-growth training and certification businesses. Skills include product management, product marketing and program management in startups and Fortune 1000 companies. He is passionate about improving education outcomes for individual learners and moving organizations to the enhanced capabilities of certification delivery platforms, online learning, including performance-based simulations, labs, virtual classrooms, adaptive practice tests and learning analytics.
1. Tell us about your company and the problem it solves, or its benefit to learners or educators.
CompTIA is a mission-driven organization that seeks to unlock the potential of individuals across the globe by providing access to IT certifications, training, and professional development. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, there is a growing need for professionals to acquire new skills and knowledge to stay competitive. CompTIA’s focus is on offering both technical and non-technical training programs that equip learners with the tools they need to thrive in tech. One of our most recent initiatives is the Career Explorer platform, which addresses a critical problem: how individuals, especially those unfamiliar with the tech sector, can explore potential career paths and gain confidence in pursuing them.
2. What is the challenge educators face today that is fixable?
One fixable challenge educators face today is industry’s growing need for skills-first hiring approaches. The workforce landscape is rapidly shifting, and many companies are starting to recognize the value of skills and competencies as equally or more important than traditional degrees. Educators have an opportunity to align their programs with the needs of modern employers by offering training that is focused on providing real-world, demonstrable skills. CompTIA is helping to address this through learning and certifications that align with in-demand roles such as cybersecurity, data analysis and AI. When educators work closely with industry partners to ensure their curricula meet these needs, the skills gap can be significantly reduced.
3. What is the challenge educators face today that will persist?
The challenge of ensuring equitable access to quality education will persist. Even with the rise of online learning and increased availability of resources, there are still barriers such as cost, internet access and geographic limitations that prevent many individuals from accessing high-quality training. While there has been progress in making tech education more accessible, the divide in opportunities across socioeconomic groups continues to pose a long-term challenge. CompTIA’s Career Explorer platform aims to address this by providing free access to career exploration tools and resources, but broader systemic change is needed to fully close the opportunity gap.
4. What are the areas of education or training and workforce development that are being overlooked?
An often-overlooked area in workforce development is the need for non-technical skills in tech roles. While much attention is given to developing core technical competencies like coding and cybersecurity, employers increasingly seek professionals who are strong in leadership, communication, and problem-solving. These durable skills are essential for long-term success, particularly as the tech industry becomes more collaborative and customer-focused. CompTIA recognizes this need and integrates non-technical training into its certification programs to create well-rounded professionals who can adapt to various roles.
5. What do you foresee will be a challenge in education in three to five years?
In three to five years, one of the biggest challenges will be the need for continuous upskilling as AI, automation and other technologies reshape industries. The pace of technological advancement is only accelerating, and professionals will need to continually update their skills to remain relevant. This creates a challenge for both individuals and educational institutions in delivering ongoing, flexible learning opportunities that meet the needs of the future workforce. Platforms like CompTIA’s Career Explorer, which provide tools for continuous learning and career guidance, will be essential in helping individuals navigate this rapidly changing landscape.
