Sheridan and national tech industry association ITAC partner on initiative that addresses need for AI and cybersecurity skillset in Canadian organizations now and in the future

Sheridan College and the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) are delighted to announce a partnership that will support students and employers in roles focused on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, across all industries.

Through its Career Ready Program, ITAC is reserving $162,000 in wage subsidy funding for employers who hire Sheridan Honours Bachelor of Computer Science (Mobile Computing) students, and $168,000 for businesses who hire Honours Bachelor of Applied Information Sciences (Information Systems Security) students in the 2019-20 academic year.

Businesses hiring eligible Sheridan students for co-op and internships from these cutting-edge programs will benefit from the valuable up-to-the minute knowledge and skills students bring and can use the opportunity to increase the number of students they hire due to the significant wage subsidies available. The partnership will be reviewed prior to renewal on an annual basis. Employers in any sector are eligible. Students are available year-round for four- and eight-month work-terms.

“I am so grateful to ITAC for supporting the successful placement of our highly skilled students into meaningful and fulfilling positions in these growing disciplines. It is this type of generosity that illustrates the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders and institutions like Sheridan where we exist to serve our communities with distinction,” says Vertha Coligan, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology.

Wage rebates of 50 per cent (up to $5,000) are awarded to eligible employers and can increase to 70 per cent if the student hired is a member of an underrepresented group such as a woman studying in STEM, Indigenous students, recent immigrants (in the last five years), persons with disabilities or first-year students.

“Sheridan has been fostering employer partnerships through work-integrated learning for decades,” says Matthew Rempel, Associate Dean of Career-Integrated Learning at Sheridan. “This type of work-integrated learning is essential to the Sheridan student experience. We’re excited about this partnership with ITAC, it’s another example of how we are connecting employers with students who bring the skills companies need to remain agile and relevant. This rich integration equips both students and business to thrive in the face of a rapidly changing world.”

“Hiring an intern comes with a host of benefits. Not only is it an effective recruitment tool for employers, but it’s also an opportunity to engage in corporate social responsibility as it supports the development of a strong future workforce for Canada,” added Brett Hotas, senior manager, ITAC Talent. “ITAC is pleased to partner with Sheridan College to help raise awareness of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) as a means for small-and-medium enterprises to access the resources they need to scale, by providing them with access to low risk, low cost talent solutions; and as an opportunity for students to learn the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.”

About Sheridan College

Founded in 1967, Sheridan has grown from a local college of 400 students to one of Ontario’s leading postsecondary institutions, educating over 23,000 full-time and 17,000 continuing and part-time studies students every year, on three campuses in Oakville, Brampton and Mississauga.  An award-winning institution, Sheridan attracts students from across Canada and around the world. Sheridan’s more than 185,000 alumni play a critical role in shaping the future of our society in the fields of arts, business, community service, health, technology, and the skilled trades.

About Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC)

As Canada’s national ICT business association, the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) champions the development of a robust and sustainable digital economy in Canada. A vital connection between business and government, we provide our members with the advocacy, networking and professional development services that help them to thrive nationally and compete globally.

A prominent advocate for the expansion of Canada’s innovative capacity, ITAC encourages technology adoption to capitalize on productivity and performance opportunities across all sectors. A member-driven not-for-profit, ITAC has served as the authoritative national voice of the $184 billion ICT industry for over 60 years. More than 39,000 Canadian ICT firms create and supply goods and services that contribute to a more productive, competitive, and innovative society. The ICT sector generates over one million jobs directly and indirectly and invests $6.1 billion annually in R&D, more than any other private sector performer.