From coast to coast to coast, the digital technology sector in Canada is an enormous and growing part of the economy. It’s estimated that the tech industry alone accounts for some 55,000 businesses, and currently generates up to $113.4 billion CAD for the national economy. Over the last six years, nearly 300,000 digital technology jobs have been added to the country’s employment landscape. The sector is fuelling innovation across many other sectors of the economy, and creating diverse opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.
At the same time, it’s also true that many Canadian enterprises are facing a challenge when it comes to finding talent to help scale operations and manage digital transformation. In fact, the majority of Canadian organizations report they need people with digital skills, and at least 55% of Canadian tech entrepreneurs are unable find talent required for growth.
That’s why upskilling Canadians matters now more than ever. Powered by the national upskilling nonprofit Palette Skills, Upskill Canada is a national talent platform that aims to help fast-growing companies access the talent they need to compete and succeed globally, while creating new career pathways for workers to rapidly transition into high-demand roles. With generous funding from the federal government, Upskill Canada is partnering with different learning providers across the country to get workers ready for new careers in digital tech.
Here’s a roundup of some of the programs available to you right now!
1. Digital Futures for All: Empowering Barriered Canadians
3-month online program for residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia.
The Digital Futures for All: Empowering barriered Canadians program is an exciting training program designed to help build a technology workforce that’s open to people from any cultural ethnicity, gender, who are neurodiverse, or from equity-seeking socio-economic backgrounds. The program is delivered by NPower Canada, an organization that believes that everyone can and must succeed in our digital economy.
This virtual workforce development program will empower participants with digital skills and industry-recognized certifications, with an 80% target for successful completion and subsequent employment within 6 months. It’s designed to reach new regions and foster a more equitable and diverse technology sector.
2. Data Science and Machine Learning Software Foundations Certificates
16-week hybrid program for residents of Ontario.
Collaborating with industry partners, the University of Toronto Data Sciences Institute (DSI) is offering a specialized 16-week Data Science and Machine Learning Software Foundations Certificate designed to strengthen the pipeline of data science talent in Canada. The course gives participants rapid certification through the university’s continuing education program, and provides an unparalleled opportunity for skill development that’s also focused on employment, with support and networking opportunities to empower participants to transition into data science and machine learning careers.
By 2026, digital literacy is projected to be essential for 90% of jobs in Canada. If you’re ready to be at the forefront of this data science and machine learning revolution, then The Data Sciences Institute Certificate is for you. It’s an affordable, flexible, and rigorous upskilling opportunity designed for learners with a university, college degree or diploma who have three years or more of work experience.
3. Health Science Technology Training for Software and Data Professionals
14-week online program for Canadian residents.
The rapidly growing health sciences sector is poised to expand significantly in Canada and around the world. The problem? The sector is in desperate need of technology professionals. That’s why the prestigious Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization’s (OBIO) has launched its Health Science Technology Training for Software and Data Professionals program. It’s designed to address the shortage of multidisciplinary tech professionals in the health science industry by integrating traditional software skills with industry-specific knowledge.
The program covers a range of topics, including software development for health science, including regulatory frameworks for software as a medical device. Participants will also learn about data compliance, cybersecurity, AI & machine learning, and develop foundational and professional skills. The program responds to the challenges faced by the sector to attract tech professionals with the necessary expertise for health science roles, and offers Canadian workers looking to build great careers a way to succeed in this critical sector.
4. Code to Career program
12-week online program for residents across Canada.
It’s no secret that coding is one the hottest career opportunities in the country right now. The Code to Career program is a national upskilling initiative powered by the dynamic partnership of Canada Learning Code and BrainStation. The program is built to empower Canadians, especially equity deserving groups, to seize opportunities in tech careers. Code to Career will recruit and upskill 800 people through scholarship-based 12-week Software Engineering bootcamps, and equip graduates with job-ready technical and professional skills and networks necessary for success.
5. Upskilling for Data Analytics and Business Analysis
16-week on-site program for residents of Ontario and Alberta.
Upskilling for Data Analytics and Business Analysis is a 16-week program that supports neurodiverse and/or those who identify as Autistic individuals extend their data analysis skills and enhance their data presentation abilities while also providing individualized employment support to ensure a successful transition to a new or expanded career. Delivered by NorQuest College, the program combines hands-on learning and on-the-job work integration, offering a comprehensive approach to upskilling in data analysis and business intelligence. In addition to introductory level data analytics, the program helps build employment skills and boost self-advocacy to enable effective communication with employers.
The program consists of four months of coursework and two months of paid work experience in addition to access to a range of additional supports. Participants work in small class environments to develop employability and professional skills such as communication and teamwork.
6. Data Talent
16-week online program for residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba.
The DataTalent upskilling program is a collaborative effort between Upskill Canada, M2M, DiWo, and Riipen offering participants comprehensive technical upskilling. It seamlessly combines employer-driven work-integrated learning projects, professional skills development, and exposure to the industry. Participants will get hands-on emerging tech skills in artificial intelligence that will support critical skills related to big data and algorithm design.
Imagine the great career opportunities you’ll find through this program! Become a Data Scientist or a Data Engineer. Choose to build your future as a Data Analyst/Business Analyst or help Canadian enterprise get ready for AI and big data. The program provides placement opportunities in high demand, high growth jobs by joining with employer-led work integrated learning projects in addition to building critical professional skills.
7. Beyond the Cloud: Powering Next Generation Canadian Digital Infrastructure
10-week program available across Canada
In the rapidly evolving Canadian digital economy, a critical challenge has emerged: our country is facing a shortage of skilled professionals ready to take on key roles to support and enhance our digital infrastructure. Cloud engineers, cloud architects, DevOps specialists and others are the backbone of innovation, and make possible all of the digital tools and services we use, enjoy, and rely on.
Demand for skilled professionals for these essential roles continues to grow as the digital economy expands. Without talented workers ready to innovate and push our digital infrastructure forward, Canada risks economic growth. In response to this challenge, the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) has developed a groundbreaking initiative to address the shortage of skilled individuals by providing industry-relevant, unique, and personalized upskill training for in-demand digital infrastructure roles to 500 selected individuals across Canada.
8. SalesCamp
6-week online program for residents of Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
Are you ready to elevate your skills and gain the confidence to succeed in business-to-business (B2B) tech sales? SalesCamp from Palette Skills is a 6-week hands-on, live and online career transition and upskilling program designed to give you the practical skills needed to thrive in a B2B tech sales role. SalesCamp is for professionals who already have previous work experience in another industry, and are looking to make a dedicated career change.
Whether you’re coming from the service industry, or any customer-facing occupation, B2B tech sales is a great choice. And with SalesCamp’s intensive coaching and unmatched employer connections, we’ll help you get started on a new career quickly!
