Cybersecurity Training & Work Integrated Learning Program
Training and mentoring women and non-binary students in cybersecurity.
Project Overview
Updated January 28, 2025.
The Problem
Despite rising cyberattacks in Canada, thousands of cybersecurity positions remain unfilled. The lack of diversity within the cybersecurity talent pool is also a challenge, with only 20% of cybersecurity workers identifying as women and 25% as Indigenous, Black or a person of colour.1 For those interested in cybersecurity careers, educational and career pathways can be unclear—so there is often a gap between the skills employers are looking for and the skills students have when they enter the workforce.
How We Are Solving It
ICTC’s Cybersecurity Training & Workforce Integrated Learning Program (CTWIL) strengthens Canada’s cybersecurity talent pool by providing women and non-binary post-secondary students access to mentorship, experiential learning, and Microsoft training and certifications. The initiative also supports employers to hire women+ and non-binary cybersecurity talent into paid work-integrated learning placements, providing wage subsidies of up to $7,000 to eligible employers.
The program was designed based on input from cybersecurity experts from industry, academia and government; with a priority focus on providing participants with industry training and certifications, practical hands-on experience, and interpersonal skills development. Collaborating partners include Toronto Metropolitan University, Cyber Catalyst, Dalhousie University, Global Mentorship Initiative, McKenna Institute, NBCC, RRC Polytech, Women in Cybersecurity, Microsoft, University of Calgary, BCIT, and Riipen.
The program includes job-readiness training seminars; certifications in fundamentals for identity, security compliance and artificial intelligence; dedicated mentors; access to ICTC’s library of e-Learning courses; networking opportunities, and much more.
The Result
In 2023, DIGITAL co-investment in CTWIL provided over 160 participants across British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and the Atlantic provinces with technical and interpersonal skills through cybersecurity courses, industry certifications, and job-readiness training. 100% of students were women or persons who identified as non-binary. Furthermore, 80 students completed experiential learning opportunities, such as work-integrated learning placements, capstone projects, and Cyber Range simulations, and 44% of students received job offers for digital roles.
ICTC’s partnership with Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) and Global Mentorship Initiatives (GMI) and collaboration with Microsoft provided students with valuable networking and mentorship opportunities with established professionals in cybersecurity and other ICT fields, and course certification opportunities. In addition, ICTC’s initial collaboration with the Communications Securities Establishment Canada (CSE) set the foundation for ICTC’s continued partnership with CSE, through which they offer tailored training to returning students and serve as an active talent pool.
In 2025, we announced our continued co-investment in CTWIL to provide comprehensive training to 170 equity-deserving participants, equipping them with the skills and experience needed to qualify for entry-level cybersecurity jobs. Training will also be enhanced to include higher-proficiency industry courses and certifications, like privilege escalation and ethical hacking, meant to cater to returning students for continued upskilling at the start of their career journeys.
Project Lead
Project Partners
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“Cybersecurity plays a crucial role in protecting Canadians – and the field is rapidly growing. Investing in projects like ICTC’s ‘Launching Your Tech Career’ improves the skills training and opportunities available, while pushing us to innovate and strengthen our workforce. Our commitment to include and uplift women and gender-diverse individuals through programs like this helps create a better future for Canada’s skilled trades workforce.”
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages -
“Demand for Canadian cybersecurity talent continues to increase with its growing importance towards ensuring organizations and individuals are protected from cybersecurity threats. We additionally know that supporting equity and diversity within Canada’s technology sector, especially for high-demand industries such as cyber, is crucial to our country’s continued growth and prosperity. By collaborating with ICTC and Microsoft Canada on the Cybersecurity Training & Work Integrated Learning initiative, we are putting women and gender-diverse individuals on the path to these in-demand careers in the cyber industry.”
Director of the Digital Learning Lab, DIGITAL -
“Canada’s cybersecurity resilience and talent shortages necessitate harnessing the full spectrum of Canada’s diverse and skilled workforce. ICTC, in collaboration with Microsoft and leading post-secondary institutions, is delighted to unveil the continuation of our Cybersecurity Training and Work Integrated Program. With the unwavering support of DIGITAL and Microsoft Canada, we are collectively shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.”
President & CEO, ICTC -
"Microsoft is committed to growing access to digital skills to help people harness the power of AI and other breakthrough technologies to succeed in today's rapidly changing workforce. Cybercrime poses a significant threat to organizations and individuals, and there is a shortage of trained and certified cybersecurity professionals to meet the growing demand. Our collaboration with ICTC and DIGITAL, through the Cybersecurity Training and Work Integrated Learning Program, aims to provide inclusive opportunities for women and gender-diverse individuals pursuing careers in the cyber sector while promoting diversity in the industry."
Philanthropies Director, Microsoft Canada