Cybersecurity Training & Work Integrated Learning Program
Training and mentoring women and non-binary students in cybersecurity.
Project Overview
Updated August 1, 2024
The Problem
Despite a rising number of cyberattacks in Canada, thousands of available 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 Despite growing demand for cybersecurity talent, educational and career pathways for those interested in entering the field can be unclear. Further, there’s often a disparity in skills and competencies related to cybersecurity that employers are looking for, with the skills undergraduate students are entering the workforce with.
How We Are Solving It
ICTC’s Cybersecurity Training & Workforce Integrated Learning Program will aim to address this disparity and strengthen Canada’s cybersecurity talent pool by providing 150 women and non-binary post-secondary education students access to Microsoft training and certification, mentorship and experiential learning opportunities — one of which is a 16-week paid work-integrated learning placement in cybersecurity. Employers also receive up to $7,000 in wage subsidies for each student placement.
The program’s seven participating post-secondary institutions include the Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Calgary, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Dalhousie University, New Brunswick Community College, Red River College Polytech and the University of New Brunswick.
The program’s training includes job-readiness training seminars; certifications in fundamentals for identity, security, compliance and artificial intelligence; membership to the Women in Cybersecurity Global community; a dedicated mentor from the Global Mentorship initiative and access to ICTC’s library of WIL e-Learning courses.
The Result
This project aimed to supplement the gap between skills employers are looking for and skills undergraduate students are acquiring for careers in cybersecurity, as well as increasing the field’s diversity. ICTC’s Cybersecurity Training and Work-Integrated Learning (CTWIL) program connects women, non-binary and gender-diverse undergraduate students to work placements and learning experiences in cybersecurity fields. 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.
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 successfully completed experiential learning opportunities with participating employers, 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) provided students with valuable networking and mentorship opportunities with established professionals in cybersecurity and other ICT fields. In addition, ICTC’s collaboration with the Communications Securities Establishment Canada (CSE) provided an incredible opportunity for students to attend an in-person event at their headquarters in Ottawa. It also set a foundation for ICTC’s current partnership with CSE, through which they offer tailored training to returning students.
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