Advancing Growth in Canada’s Indigenous Digital Workforce

How We Are Solving It

PLATO, Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned software testing and technology services company, will scale and enhance its post-secondary accredited foundational software tester training program to over 75 First Nations, Inuit and Métis trainees across Canada. Supported by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, the project will help deliver the program closer to Indigenous communities to break down systemic barriers for entry into the field and promote diversity and inclusion in technology.

PLATO’s train-and-employ model focuses on recruiting First Nations, Inuit and Métis people to provide them with an opportunity to begin their careers in the technology sector. Their Software Tester Training Program provides five months of in-class training focused on the fundamentals of software testing, followed by a three-month paid internship of experiential learning with one of PLATO’s corporate partners. Following successful completion of the eight month training program, graduates are offered a full-time position with PLATO.

Co-investment will also support the development and implementation of an accelerated software tester training program for Indigenous post-secondary graduates and Indigenous professionals who are currently employed and motivated to pursue careers in information technology.