Camosun College is launching two new programs designed to help women and Indigenous peoples - two underrepresented groups - explore a career in the growing technology sector as result of additional funding from the B.C. government.
"British Columbia has a rapidly expanding tech sector with a range of well-paying careers," says Lisa Beare, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. "We are taking action to ensure all British Columbians benefit from opportunities in our clean and innovative economy. Creating more opportunities for women and Indigenous peoples in this sector is key as we work towards a more inclusive and Stronger BC."
The expansion of technology-related learning spaces is part of the provincial government's long-term plan to meet growing demand for talent in B.C.'s robust tech sector, while ensuring everyone benefits.
"B.C. is the fastest growing technology hub in North America (tied with Austin Texas) and needs more skilled talent to help keep driving innovation and investment in our province," says Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs Economic Development and Innovation. "These new programs at Camosun College will open excellent opportunities for women and Indigenous peoples to pursue sustainable, well-paying careers in this accelerating industry."
The funding will add 36 new seats in two 12-week, tuition-free programs highlighting Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering technology as well as Computer Science. The programs also provide wraparound supports for students to reduce barriers to education. These supports may include such things as community building and mentorship opportunities, personal protective equipment, transportation, help navigating education and career pathways as well as how to access available supports at Camosun College such as free counselling services and academic upgrading. The first intake with the Women in Technology Pathway is September 2024 and the first intake of Indigenous Peoples in Technology Pathway is January 2025.
"We want graduates of these programs to possess the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in a tech career," states Saryta Schaerer, Chair of the Computer Science Department at Camosun College. "For many students, it's about igniting a passion that already exists, but we acknowledge that funding and access to resources are significant barriers. We have eliminated some of the common obstacles in the path to tech programs to ensure the success of women and Indigenous students."
The WiTech program is open to anyone who identifies as a woman who wants to gain the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in this area where women are underrepresented.
The InTech program is open to eligible Indigenous people of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels.
"The additional funding to further expand tech programming at Camosun is great news," says Lane Trotter, President of Camosun College. "With these new seats we will be able to open the doors to a rewarding career in tech for two underserved groups."
The tech pathway programs build on the success of two similar trades programs at Camosun College, Women in Trades and Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training. Both of the trades access programs have been offered at Camosun College for over a decade.
"We're very grateful to the province for the tech seat expansion at Camosun," says Eric Sehn, Dean of Trades and Technology. "Tech sampler programs will allow women and Indigenous peoples to explore a career in the sector and also aligns with the core values of the college."
Prospective students are encouraged to register for more information as it becomes available.
Total funding from the B.C. government includes one-time stand-up funding of $60,000 and capital funding of $180,000 in addition to annual operational funding of $468,000. Previous funding for technology expansion at Camosun College included 24 seats in the two-year Cybersecurity and Network Technology diploma.
According to Engineers Canada, only 16.4 per cent of newly licensed engineers in British Columbia are women. A labour-market study from the First Nations Technology Council found that less than one per cent of jobs in B.C. tech are held by people who identify as Indigenous compared to about five per cent of the population.
