The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is pleased to announce the launch of Work Ready, a new national employment support program for information and communications technology (ICT) professionals.
With funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Work Ready provides customized career services designed to ease the transition of international ICT professionals into the Canadian labour market and connect them with meaningful employment in the fast-growing digital economy. Through the program, ICTC offers access to job search counselling, mentorship, professional development, and employer engagement—helping individuals build networks, gain Canadian experience, and contribute to Canada’s innovation-driven industries.
By 2028, Work Ready will serve more than 750 professionals, building pathways to employment and inclusion for international ICT talent.
Addressing Talent Needs in Canada’s Growing Digital Economy
Canada’s digital economy is critical to boosting the country’s overall productivity, innovation, and global competitiveness. Advancing Canada’s digital economy depends on scaling its talent pipelines and is especially crucial to addressing labour shortages and driving innovation in emerging fields such as AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data science. ICTC’s forecasts show that, by 2030, Canada’s digital economy will employ 2.7 million people and contribute $249.59 billion to the national gross domestic product (GDP).
However, a common thread across Canada is the increasing challenge of sourcing talent with the right mix of technical skills, soft skills, and business acumen—a gap that Work Ready aims to close.
“Canada’s digital future depends on our ability to attract, empower, and integrate skilled global talent,” shares Namir Anani, President and CEO of ICTC. “Work Ready is a vital step in supporting internationally educated digital professionals as they build successful careers and contribute to Canada’s innovation economy. By helping newcomers connect, grow, and thrive, we’re strengthening our workforce and advancing Canada’s global competitiveness.”
About ICTC’s Immigration Programs
ICTC offers two programs to support the success of international ICT professionals within the Canadian workforce. ICTC’s GO Talent program connects Canadian employers with individuals who have received their Permanent Residency approval and have not yet arrived in Canada, whereas the new Work Ready program will connect Canadian employers with individuals that have been living in Canada for 5 years or less. Combined, both programs offer career resources and supports that connect international ICT talent to employers across Canada.
About ICTC
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a national centre of expertise dedicated to advancing Canada’s digital advantage through forward-looking research, policy advice, and workforce development initiatives. Learn more at https://ictc-ctic.ca.
ICTC’s Work Ready and GO Talent programs are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
