Second Cohort Launches for Get Into IT!
Providing training for 148 individuals from underrepresented communities in tech, Get Into IT helps participants build the skills needed to launch their careers and contribute to a diverse and innovative industry. Following the inaugural program cohort, which expects to graduate 62 learners next month, Get Into IT has officially opened applications for our two programs - IT Support Specialist Program (Google certified) and Cybersecurity Analyst (IBM certified). The program is designed to help participants from underrepresented communities in tech launch a career in the fast-growing industry and is no-cost to residents of Nova Scotia who are 18+ with a high school diploma, GED, or a referral from a community organization. “The need for talent in our sector is at an all time high, and this program directly addresses that by upskilling people who have traditionally faced barriers into entering the industry, leveraging transferable skills they already have and combining that with training that our industry needs.” says Wayne Sumarah, CEO, Digital Nova Scotia. Taking place over 25 weeks (approximately 5 hours a week), Digital Nova Scotia designed the program to be self-guided while still offering support through office hours, teaching assistants, hands-on practice, portfolio building and a Slack channel to stay connected. It integrates learning and networking opportunities to connect our participants with industry and assists them in preparing for a career in tech, beyond technical skill-building. Interview skills practice, resume building, LinkedIn support and mentorship are all important components included. “Get Into IT is a creative approach to addressing two immediate needs for our industry, the need for talent and the desire for increased diversity and representation. To date, we’ve had extremely positive feedback on the program from employers, and we’re looking forward to seeing the next cohort begin”, says Sumarah. Funded through the Nova Scotia Department of Labour Skills and Immigration’s Back to Work Community Partnerships, the initiative aims to help employers hire skilled workers while supporting those from underrepresented groups in tech prepare for, train and connect to meaningful employment. Digital skills are highly employable in our labor market, especially given the global pandemic, and this program includes resources to help participants secure employment post-completion. The current cohort, set to complete the program next month maintains an average GPA of 90%. “Our training programs are based on industry hiring needs, consultations, and labour market data. If this program sounds like it could help contribute to your recruitment strategy, we’d love to hear from you.” says Sumarah. Diversity and inclusion are critical to the province’s technology workforce, and Digital Nova Scotia is working to address the need for more diversity in the province’s ICT sector. Through Get Into IT, Digital Nova Scotia aims to foster the growth of the digital economy in Nova Scotia by removing barriers of opportunity, development, and access that impact Indigenous Persons, Black Nova Scotians, persons of African Descent, racially visible individuals, persons with disabilities, immigrants, and women.
“I really enjoyed this Get Into IT through Digital Nova Scotia and I am really grateful that I was given the opportunity to complete this course with DNS. This is a course that I would recommend to anyone who is looking to get into IT.” - Get into IT, Program Participant
Applications open today!
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