ICTC, in partnership with Microsoft Canada, has established a program to create pathways to 21st-century jobs, and encourage successful integration in the digital economy. Canadian companies are seeking digitally skilled employees more than ever before. This program will bridge the digital divide for job seekers who are looking for an opportunity to add to their existing technical skills and diversify their professional experience. This one-year, innovative employment-readiness initiative, also known as the Digital Equity and Employability Pathways (DEEP) program, will work with Newcomers, Refugees, and Indigenous communities from across the country in an effort to connect Canadian employers with newly trained and upskilled individuals looking to grow their careers in an ICT or digital field in Canada. Preparing Job Seekers for the Workforce Job seekers who participate in the DEEP program will work through a series of virtual courses provided by both ICTC and Microsoft. By completing these courses, DEEP participants will enhance and expand their current skill set, ultimately helping to prepare them for a career in today’s digital-based economy. All individuals are given access to an online portal where progress through the courses can be tracked and completed. ICTC Courses provided by ICTC will focus on the enhancement of job seeker soft skills. Through workshops like Effective Communication, Leadership Abilities, Social Media Presence, Networking and more, potential employers can be assured that these professionals are prepared to enter Canada's digital workforce through technical and soft skills training. Microsoft Based on previous experience and technical skills, a Microsoft voucher from the Microsoft Career Pathways Program is identified and assigned to each professional. Upon completion of this course, in conjunction with their already defined qualifications, the outcome is an upskilled individual who is ready to be successfully integrated into the ICT and digital workforce. Supported by research from ICTC, selected areas of concentration for these Microsoft Certifications include:
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
For more information on these fields of study, please refer to these ICTC reports: Cybersecurity Talent 2017-2023 Artificial Intelligence in Canada Smart City Priority Areas and Labour Readiness of Canadian Cities
