TORONTO – The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) announced today it is piloting a new online government-funded training platform in partnership with Oakland, Calif.-based Qwasar Silicon Valley to strengthen digital skills development and access to digital jobs for Canadian youth.
The software engineering program and data science training program will be accessible entirely online across Canada. ICTC is launching the pilot within the context of its Youth Dividend program, funded by the government of Canada’s Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y) program. The goal is to prepare students for exciting digital jobs in promising Canadian tech start-ups or globally leading IT firms, says the ICTC press release.
In addition to the technical training offered in partnership with Qwasar, ICTC will leverage its labour market intelligence and digital industry network to guide students through a learning process that includes meaningful work experience, training in essential skills, and career management, including ICTC personalized support, says the release.
“We are delighted to work with Qwasar to accelerate the training of young Canadians through the Youth Dividend program. This innovative approach, founded on proven pedagogical and andragogical methods, combines Qwasar’s fully online educational content with the in-depth knowledge of the labour market and career-development courses of ICTC. The collaboration will pave the way for rewarding careers for young Canadians in tomorrow’s economy,” said Namir Anani, president and CEO of ICTC, in the organization’s press release.
