As the need for digitally-skilled Canadians grows, DIGITAL is taking action to reach people who have historically been underrepresented and support them in finding their own paths to success in the digital economy.
Since 2018, DIGITAL has collaborated with training and community partners on over 40+ initiatives to shape training that fits the unique needs of communities and demographics across Canada. In this way, DIGITAL-backed programs like SkillingUp, Sky Keepers and DigitalWorks are enabling diverse communities to learn important digital skills in a way that feels relevant for them.
The March of Dimes Canada’s SkillingUp program offers free online learning for eligible Canadians with disabilities, including students, business users and IT professionals. The training offered ranges from beginner to advanced level. Entry-level training includes the fundamentals of working with operating systems and applications, where the learner can earn LinkedIn Learning certificates in digital literacy. More advanced training provides Microsoft certifications, including Fundamentals of AI and Cybersecurity.
An organization that supports people with disabilities across Canada, March of Dimes Canada has partnered with a number of organizations to deliver SkillingUp, including Microsoft, the CIBC Foundation and DIGITAL. Industry partnerships with Microsoft and the CIBC Foundation allow for mentorship opportunities and improve long-term job prospects for participants. “Digital fluency is becoming a crucial skillset within any role, and sector or industry,” says Lisa Everett, Canada Community Engagement Lead for Microsoft Philanthropies. “As such, through the Microsoft Skills for Jobs program we endeavour to make technology skills accessible to all. Our partnership with March of Dimes Canada reflects our commitment to expanding economic opportunities and empowering individuals of all abilities to reach their full potential.”
The Construction Foundation of BC’s (CFBC) Sky Keepers program extension offers training for Indigenous people in the specific area of operating drones, which are used frequently in Northern and remote communities for surveying and search and rescue operations. In addition to acquiring a certificate for drone operation, Sky Keepers participants also take a 3-week digital skills training program to learn a range of digital and vocational skills associated with drone technology.
Drone training for Sky Keepers is delivered by Aboriginal Training Services (ATS), a private, Indigenous-owned company that develops training programs targeted specifically for the use of remote piloted drones. Another community partner that helped shape the curriculum was Indigenous-owned and led consultancy, Two Eyed Seeing. The concept of Two Eyed Seeing involves possessing the strength of both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing: being firmly rooted in the beliefs and knowing of where Indigenous people come from; but also utilizing the practices of the world we live in today. Two Eyed Seeing helped centre the training program around Indigenous ways of knowing and being so the training felt relevant to the community.
Sky Keepers will train 40 participants across British Columbia to be ready for drone piloting jobs through access to online tools, resources and training for drone operations, maintenance, film and photography. At the end of training, participants will receive their Advanced RPAS Pilot Certificate, their Aeronautical Radio Operator (ROC-A) Certificate from ISED Canada, be certified under Transport Canada, and receive certificates of completion in Regulation Training and Hands-on Application Training from Aboriginal Training Services Ltd.
The DigitalWorks program delivered by Nunavut-based Pinnguaq is offering culturally relevant digital skills training, paid internships, and microcredential accreditations to more than 1,000 residents from underrepresented and remote communities. Pinnguaq, which means “play” in Inuktitut, has a mission to work alongside rural, remote, Indigenous and other communities, to support the development of STEAM skills through innovative technology, art and play. In Nunavut, there are hundreds of vacant positions in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector. The challenge for Nunavut residents is finding culturally-relevant digital skills training, which includes basic digital literacy.
Pinnguaq’s CEO, Ryan Oliver, shared the organization’s approach for tackling this problem: “It’s about collaborating to discover how digital skills and tools can be learned and used in the communities in ways that are most impactful to those who live there. Rather than thinking about what these programs can do for communities, we’re driven by what communities can do with these programs. Education and mentorship are some of our key focuses at Pinnguaq and this project allows us to work alongside learners from equity-deserving communities as they prepare to find meaningful employment.”
With a focus on practical and in-demand skills such as cybersecurity, big data, AI, and programming, the DigitalWorks program also addresses e-waste management challenges in Nunavut by training residents in digital technology and e-recycling sectors, which supports the sustainable development of rural and coastal communities. Further, DigitalWorks is helping to preserve Indigenous languages. Through partnerships, such as with Maskwacis Cultural College, the program enables learners to create documents in Cree, facilitating an essential step in cultural preservation.
In addition to ensuring Canada has the digitally skilled workforce and leadership we need to meet the demands of our growing industries, DIGITAL is proud to support initiatives like SkillingUp, Sky Keepers and DigitalWorks that are increasing diversity within these spaces.
References
https://www.skillingup.ca/get-skilled/
https://www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/aboutus/newsroom/whatsnew/wnarchive/Pages/SkillingUp.aspx
https://www.modcemploymentservices.ca/services/skilling-up/
https://www.2eyedseeing.com/experience
https://pinnguaq.com/stories/partners-with-digital-for-three-skill-building-programs/
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