EquITy
Originally posted: March 07, 2021
Partnership with government and industry fuel MITT’s development of training opportunities targeting skills gaps in the labour market, underrepresentation of women or other groups and, more recently, supporting economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
These efforts received a $25,000 boost from the Province today through Status of Women funding aimed at helping women pursue careers in information technology (IT), which they’ve launched with a no-cost micro-credential pathway into the high-demand tech sector. The announcement was part of the Province's International Women's Day event.
Twenty women (and individuals who identify as women) have the opportunity to take MITT’s Certified Secure Computer User—Women in Technology micro-certificate this May.
This micro-credential provides individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to protect their information assets and is a great introduction to IT training. Participants will learn about the fundamentals of various computer and network security threats such as identity theft, credit card fraud, phishing, virus and backdoors, email hoaxes, loss of confidential information, hacking attacks, and social engineering. The skills learned in this class will enable participants to take the necessary risks to mitigate their security exposure and protect digital information.
This is the second round of Status of Women funding provided to MITT to help women pursue “non-traditional” careers; in 2019, the college received $25,000 as part of its Empower Project to support women seeking entry into skilled trades.
Part of those funds, along with industry support, led to the creation of the Women in Trades Entrance Scholarships, which are currently accepting applications for fall 2021. Complementing these supports are the new-for-2021 Women in Technology Entrance Scholarships. Both are valued at $500; click here for details and eligibility criteria.
“We once again thank the Province for supporting our efforts at removing barriers for women interested in careers in trades or tech,” says Beverlie Stuart, Acting Vice President Academic at MITT. “Through this funding, we can give women an opportunity to find their spark or, if they know they want a career in tech, take an important first step along their career education journey with MITT.”