ComIT introduces Recoding Futures, a new program to provide 450 Indigenous learners with free IT training
Google Canada to invest $250,000 to support free access to the program
December 9th, 2020 – Today, ComIT announced the launch of Recoding Futures, a program to provide IT training to 450 Indigenous learners across Canada. The one-month program will offer technical and soft skills training, equipping the next generation of IT professionals with the skills needed to succeed. Google Canada, through its philanthropic division Google.org, will invest $250,000 to support the program and enable free access for those enrolled.
“According to a Conference Board of Canada report, a key barrier to Indigenous people securing employment in the tech sector is the lack of accessible STEM and IT-specific training,” says Pablo Listingart, Executive Director of ComIT. “We’re looking to tackle this hurdle head-on by designing a financially accessible training program that directly benefits Indigenous communities.”
Mike DeGagné, President and CEO of Indspire said: “We are pleased to work with insightful partners like ComIT and Google Canada on this important initiative. It’s a ground-breaking way to assist First Nations, Inuit, and Métis learners as they overcome historical obstacles to entry into this field, and we look forward to a mutually beneficial collaboration – one which will also benefit Indigenous students across Canada.”
Recoding Futures is available for those who are interested in beginning or continuing an education in IT. The program will run virtually and cover topics like Design Thinking, HTML, CSS and Javascript. Upon completion of the program, ComIT will also offer courses on resume building, interview skill training, and other soft skill development opportunities to help with the transition from learning to employment.
“In order to have a Canadian tech community that is truly reflective of our country, it’s important that we expand access to STEM education, and that relevant, universally accessible training programs are in place to address immediate job needs,” says Steven Woods, Google Canada Engineering Lead. “ComIT’s programs are unique. They work with companies to understand roles that need to be filled locally, and then create targeted education programs for these roles, ensuring job applicants have the appropriate skills to then transition into job placements.”
Applications are now open for Recoding Futures. Interested applicants can visit ComIT.org to register for the program. The program will begin in January.
About ComIT
ComIT is a registered charity that provides free training and professional development opportunities in information technology. Their courses are taught by IT professionals working at leading companies, with a curated curriculum built to ensure graduates are equipped to meet the needs of the immediate labor market. ComIT believes that the democratization of education and opportunity is Canada’s path forward.
About Indspire
Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for the mutual benefit of these individuals, their families, their communities, and our country. Indspire, recognized by Maclean’s as a 2019 Top Rated Charity, works to enrich Canada through Indigenous education and achievement.
About Google Canada
Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. As a global technology leader, Google's innovations in web search and advertising have made its website a top internet property and its brand one of the most recognized in the world. Google Canada has offices in Waterloo, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa with over 1,500 Canadian Google employees working on teams across Engineering, AI Research, Sales and Marketing.
Did you like it? Share it!