Adrian Johnson
TLDR
- A pilot program is recruiting women and non-binary individuals for careers in cybersecurity
- The program offers training, work placements, and mentorship to prepare students for cybersecurity roles
A pilot program aimed at training women and non-binary persons for careers in cybersecurity is recruiting its third group of students. The program, offered at seven Canadian post-secondary institutions, includes an eight-month academic program with a 16-week work placement to make students job-ready on graduation. It is funded by Microsoft Canada and the federal government and includes training in hard and soft skills, mentorship, and access to Microsoft certifications.
The program also supports the development of Women in Cybersecurity clubs on campus to connect students interested in the field. The first group of students graduated in 2022, with the second group about to graduate. The third cohort, which will consist of about 150 students, is currently being recruited.
The program addresses the gender imbalance in the cybersecurity sector and aims to provide a stronger pipeline of employees. Despite challenges in experience requirements for job seekers, the program focuses on training students to meet industry standards and encourages employers, especially small businesses, to invest in training new hires to ensure long-term success in the sector.
The Information and Community Technology Council (ICTC), a not-for-profit organization that advocates for technology-driven economic growth in Canada, is leading the program. It partners with universities and colleges to offer the program and provide job placements for students to connect with Canadian employers. The program aims to address the under-representation of women and non-binary individuals in the cybersecurity field and provide opportunities for them to excel in the industry.
