Information Technology (IT) Connections: Digital Economy Connections helps internationally trained IT professionals pursue their careers in Canada. Participants learn Canadian IT-sector standards, terminology, and tips on how to enhance their job search. IT Connections was designed in close collaboration with key stakeholders – employers, professional associations and an academic institution.

To be eligible for the program, clients must reside in Ontario. See program full eligibility criteria for details.

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Program Components

  • 6-week program 
  • Academic training from a recognized educational institute 
  • Orientation to Canadian Workplace Culture and the expectations of employers in the sector 
  • Experiential Learning 
  • Agile Introduction and Methodology 
  • Creative Problem Solving 
  • Design Thinking 
  • Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Lead Agile certification training
  • Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Advances Scrum Master Certification training
  • Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Product Owner Certification training
  • Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) DevOps Certification training
  • One-to-one support from an Employment Consultant who is knowledgeable about the sector 

 

Information Technology Connections is funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered in partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University. The IT Connections program is sponsored by Accenture. 

Program Benefits

  • Referrals to Speed Mentoring® and The Mentoring Partnership™
  • Effective job search strategies including market research techniques, resume development, interview skills and targeting your job search to companies that require your specific skills and experience
  • Referrals to job openings and connections to employers
  • Access to mentors who are professionals in your field
  • Invitations to attend recruitment and networking events
  • Guest speaking panels including volunteers from Accenture (program sponsor)
  • Sharpen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Practice the Design Thinking process to solve problems small and large
  • Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) training, one free certification exam attempt, and one-year SAFe membership
  • Free registration to IBM Skillsbuild and LinkedIn learning
  • Post-hire support – job retention, business communication/language coaching

Program Eligibility

  • CLB Level 8 or higher preferred
  • Post-secondary education in the IT field from outside of Canada
  • Permanent Resident, Convention Refugee or Refugee Claimant with a 1-year work permit, Naturalized Canadian Citizen
  • Minimum of three years professional experience in the IT sector outside of Canada
  • Have not been away from the field for a period longer than two years
  • Must reside in Ontario

Program Dates

  • July 22 – August 30, 2024
  • September 16 – October 25, 2024
  • November 4 – December 13, 2024

Program Fees

The fee for this program is $500. This offsets a portion of the Toronto Metropolitan University academic component.

Advisory Committee

  • Abbas Ishaque, Engagment Manager, Amazon Web Services 
  • Adeel Liaqat, Co-founder and Managing Director, NovaVu 
  • Anna Raymer-Parks, Project Manager, Independent Contractor
  • Colin Low-Ring, Senior Client Director, Newcomp Analytics 
  • David Odigie, Director, Delivery Program Management, RBC 
  • William Garcia, Manager, Change & Release Management, AllState Insurance 
  • Gerardo Amaya, Executive Digital Advisor, Microsoft 
  • Josephine Rashmi, Director – Recruitment & Operations, Ana Data Consulting 
  • Kennedy Udida,Senior Scrum Master & Agile Coach Agile Coach, TD 
  • Majeda Haidar, Talent & Organization, Accenture 
  • Myron Parks, Head of Product, Black Professionals In Tech Network (BPTN) Inc 
  • Nobel Phipps, Senior Technology Consultant, Chief Technology Office, TELUS
  • Stephanie Wilson, Director, Governmental Relations, Lighthouse Labs 

Resources