ICTC's program trains women & non-binary persons in cybersecurity, bridging the gender gap & meeting industry demand for skilled professionals. (IT World Canada)
A new initiative focusing on training women and non-binary individuals for roles in cybersecurity is gearing up to enroll its third batch of students. Spearheaded by the Information and Community Technology Council (ICTC), the program is set to scout for candidates starting next month across seven Canadian post-secondary institutions, aiming to kick off the fall academic session.
Vivian Lee, leading the team responsible for work integrated learning e-learning delivery at ICTC, highlighted the collaborative effort with universities and colleges to address the gender gap prevalent in the cybersecurity sector. The initiative, aptly named 'Cybersecurity Training and Work Integrated Learning,' seeks to bolster the talent pipeline specifically targeting roles like SOC (security operations centre) analysts and cloud security experts.
With financial support from Microsoft Canada and the federal government, along with contributions from a consortium of Canadian educational institutions, ICTC has been instrumental in implementing the program. The comprehensive eight-month curriculum incorporates a 16-week work placement or experiential learning segment, aiming to equip students with the necessary skills to seamlessly transition into the workforce upon completion.
Emphasizing a blend of technical expertise and soft skills, the program offers mentorship from seasoned professionals in the technology domain, guidance on networking, and job application strategies. Additionally, participants gain access to three Microsoft certifications specializing in cloud security infrastructure.
Beyond academic training, ICTC is fostering a supportive community environment by facilitating the establishment of Women in Cybersecurity clubs on participating campuses, providing students with networking opportunities and a platform to connect with like-minded individuals.
Having initially enrolled 56 students from the University of Calgary and Toronto Metropolitan University in 2022, the program has witnessed expansion, now encompassing institutions such as the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Red River College in Winnipeg, and others. With over 150 students poised to graduate from the second cohort, the upcoming recruitment phase is expected to draw a similar number of participants.
Vivian Lee acknowledged the enthusiasm among students for cybersecurity roles, noting their exceptional talent and dedication. However, she underscored the existing challenges, acknowledging the prevalent gender disparity and the hurdles faced by women in the IT domain.
Addressing the issue of experience requirements often demanded by employers, Lee emphasized the importance of bridging this gap through concerted efforts from both academia and industry stakeholders. She urged employers, particularly smaller entities, to recognize the long-term benefits of investing in training programs, ultimately contributing to a more diverse and skilled cybersecurity workforce.
As a not-for-profit organization, ICTC is committed to leveraging technology for Canada's economic advancement. Through initiatives like Work Integrated Learning courses, the council strives to facilitate job placements for thousands of post-secondary students annually. Supported by governmental funding and corporate partnerships, ICTC remains dedicated to fostering inclusive growth and addressing key challenges in the digital economy.
