New pc techniques program seeks to fill IT gaps in Nunavut workforce

A pc techniques technician program is relaunching in Iqaluit after a 5 yr hiatus. 

This system, supplied by way of Nunavut Arctic Faculty, will convey a cohort of 10 college students by way of classes in working techniques, networking applied sciences, pc {hardware} and system administration. 

The one-year program additionally requires a six-week placement in order that college students can “really feel totally ready to enter the workforce upon commencement,” in line with the faculty’s course description. 

Deborah Clifford is working because the appearing chair of enterprise packages with Nunavut Arctic Faculty. 

She stated this system started in 2007 and introduced 5 cohorts by way of this system to commencement. 

Because the course was funded externally, nevertheless, the faculty was not in a position to maintain this system after its closing graduating class in 2017 — partially because of not having sufficient scholar enrolment. 

Now the pc techniques technician program has base funding instantly from the faculty, and Clifford stated they intend maintain this system for years to come back. 

She stated she’s not involved about low enrolment and, given how central expertise has develop into in a variety of jobs, “it is tough to conceive that inside the IT discipline issues are going to decelerate,” she stated.

‘Nice alternative to be taught’

Winnie Qamaniq is likely one of the incoming college students.

She stated she’s “at all times needed to be taught extra about computer systems.”

“With all the things being computerized as of late I felt like this can be a nice alternative to be taught.”

Qamaniq stated there’s a spot in IT specialists within the North and he or she hopes to get a job within the discipline after commencement. 

What’s extra, is that “each time I name in individuals to assist with computer systems, it is at all times guys,” Qamaniq stated on the gender imbalance within the discipline. 

Steen Kublu, 39, is one other of the scholars within the upcoming cohort. 

Along with studying about computer systems and expertise, Kublu stated he is trying ahead to bettering his individuals expertise by way of this system. 

Steen Kublu, 39, is one in every of 10 college students beginning the pc techniques coaching program Tuesday. (Matisse Harvey/Radio-Canada)

Kublu moved to Iqaluit for the course from his dwelling neighborhood of Igloolik, Nunavut. 

He says he hopes to remain within the capital if he can discover work after commencement. 

The course begins Tuesday, with an up to date curriculum.

After the primary yr of the brand new program, Clifford stated the faculty plans to conduct a evaluate and get suggestions from potential employers of the graduates to make enhancements transferring ahead. 

She stated the faculty hopes to ultimately increase to getting items of this system on-line. That means, extra college students would have the ability to enrol from their dwelling communities. 

Given the hands-on nature of this system and the necessity for expertise and pc expertise within the workforce, Clifford stated that college students popping out of this system can look forward to finding work. 

“Anybody who actually places their head down and tackles the fabric and succeeds, ought to discover themselves — hypothetically — employed by the point they’re performed their first practicum,” she stated.

https://www.cbc.ca/information/canada/north/new-computer-systems-program-seeks-to-fill-it-gaps-in-nunavut-workforce-1.6572529