InceptionU partners with Blackfoot Tech Council to support IT training and employment opportunities for Siksika Nation learners
Imagine your excitement after finishing a 6-month IT training and internship program, and now you’ve been invited to interview with Google for a full-time job. Though your nerves may be at an all-time high, you know this is the launching pad you’ve been waiting for. These are the types of opportunities that are being created thanks to the Blackfoot Tech Council’s IT Training Program.
Beginning this fall, InceptionU is a proud Education Partner and Program Designer with the Blackfoot Tech Council, providing Essential Skills, Lumina and Lifepath workshops to the IT program participants. The goal is to build confidence and competence and help the learners launch new tech careers.
The IT training program is part of the Siksika First Nation’s efforts to build a local technology sector and talent pool as infrastructure upgrades are made to the community’s internet connectivity. With leadership from the Blackfoot Tech Council and support from Siksika Nation’s Chief & Council, Siksika has successfully raised the funding required to bring high-speed internet to every home on Siksika Nation and the surrounding areas. Once the project is complete, Siksika Nation members will finally have equitable access to fast and reliable internet. This is no longer a luxury, but a basic human right, according to the United Nations.
“Blackfoot Tech Council is cognizant that as this infrastructure is built, we will need capacity to manage and lead the change into the future. Historically, First Nations people have had tremendous skills in the area of technology and Siksika and its people are in a place where they can lead this change for their community,” says Jennifer Kohlhammer, Blackfoot Tech Council member.
Learners explore all facets of IT including cyber-security, networking, IT fundamentals, software development, and coding. Technical program partners include CompTIA and Braintoy. There are eight weeks of training followed by a four-month paid internship. Learners range in age from 18-56; some have college degrees and others are fresh out of high school. Some internships are provided on the reserve, for example through the Siksika Board of Education, Siksika Health Services, Siksika Family Services and Siksika Nation Tribal Administration.
The Tech Council is also looking for companies in the nearby communities of Calgary and Strathmore to provide internship opportunities as well.
“During the InceptionU workshops, students learn and discover so many things about themselves - what are my strengths and what are my weaknesses? If I need help, it’s ok to ask. And, most importantly, there are going to be times when you fail, and that’s ok. You keep trying,” says Zack Spring Chief, the IT Program Coordinator. “These are the reasons why we like the InceptionU program and think it’s going to have a positive impact.”
The IT program has proven to be successful, with a 60% employment rate following the program.
“We believe that with all of our partners working together and providing robust technical and essential skills training, that we can surpass 60%,” says Kohlhammer.
InceptionU’s goal is to help these students discover what they’re passionate about and where that can lead them in a technology-related field.
“We know that future educational and economic opportunities are found online and we’re excited that federally-funded and stable internet is now available to Siksika,” says Margo Purcell, CEO of InceptionU. “We are honored to be part of Siksika’s skill-building programs so we can support Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners in finding tech-related careers and opportunities.”
If you are interested in learning more about the Blackfoot Tech Council and the IT program, please visit their website.
You can also reach out directly at: info@blackfoottech.ca.
