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

A pc techniques technician program is relaunching in Iqaluit after a 5 12 months hiatus. 

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

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

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

She mentioned this system started in 2007 and introduced 5 cohorts by means of this system to commencement. 

For the reason that course was funded externally, nevertheless, the faculty was not in a position to maintain this system after its ultimate graduating class in 2017 — partially on account of not having sufficient pupil enrolment. 

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

She mentioned she’s not involved about low enrolment and, given how central know-how has grow to be in a variety of jobs, “it is tough to conceive that inside the IT subject issues are going to decelerate,” she mentioned.

‘Nice alternative to study’

Winnie Qamaniq is among the incoming college students.

She mentioned she’s “at all times needed to study extra about computer systems.”

“With all the pieces being computerized lately I felt like it is a nice alternative to study.”

Qamaniq mentioned there’s a spot in IT specialists within the North and he or she hopes to get a job within the subject 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 mentioned on the gender imbalance within the subject. 

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

Along with studying about computer systems and know-how, Kublu mentioned he is wanting ahead to enhancing his individuals expertise by means of this system. 

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 12 months of the brand new program, Clifford mentioned the faculty plans to conduct a evaluation and get suggestions from potential employers of the graduates to make enhancements transferring ahead. 

She mentioned the faculty hopes to ultimately develop to getting items of this system on-line. That approach, extra college students would be capable to enrol from their dwelling communities. 

Given the hands-on nature of this system and the necessity for know-how and laptop expertise within the workforce, Clifford mentioned 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 completed their first practicum,” she mentioned.