Advancing Growth in Canada’s Indigenous Digital Workforce

How We Are Solving It

PLATO, Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned software testing and technology services company, offers foundational software tester training program to over 75 First Nations, Inuit and Métis trainees across Canada. Their delivery is focused on providing programming closer to Indigenous communities to break down systemic barriers for entry into the field and promote diversity and inclusion in technology. 

PLATO’s train-and-employ model focuses on recruiting First Nations, Inuit and Métis people to provide them with an opportunity to begin and advance their careers in the technology sector. Their Software Tester Training Program provides five months of in-class training focused on the fundamentals of software testing, followed by a three-month paid internship of experiential learning with one of PLATO’s corporate partners. Following successful completion of the program, graduates are offered full-time positions with PLATO.

The Result

In 2023, DIGITAL’s co-investment supported training just under 75 Indigenous participants in Calgary, Prince Albert, Ottawa-Gatineau, Sault Ste Marie and Vancouver through the enhancement of PLATO’s post-secondary accredited foundational software testing program; and the creation, testing and implementation of an accelerated software tester training program. Both programs gave participants industry-driven digital skills training delivered by professional instructors and professional testing subject matter specialists.  

As an additional benefit from DIGITAL’s support, PLATO was able to offer technology training courses in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, a city which has a limited technology ecosystem and very few technology-related jobs. Prince Albert’s Indigenous population represents over 40% of the city’s total population, of which the creation of 20 new technology-based jobs filled by Indigenous technology professionals from the PLATO program will help to create new potential pathways for the Indigenous youth of Prince Albert and the surrounding area. 

In 2025, we announced our continued co-investment with PLATO to provide functional digital training to another 75 aspiring Indigenous technology professionals and enhanced digital skills training to 95 early-career Indigenous IT professionals across Canada. Aspiring professionals will continue to be supported by PLATO’s train-and-employ model, while enhanced training for early-career professionals will include high market demand software platforms, cybersecurity and the use of generative AI.