NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL /WINTER 2023 IT TRAINING PROGRAM

The information technologies (IT) sector in Siksika is an exciting and growing field, and you’re invited to join in!

The Siksika Nation training program is an introduction to basic information technologies (IT) knowledge and skills. The course helps those that are interested in IT gain a better understanding of the field, and reinforces whether someone might want to pursue further education or a career in IT. Trainees will learn, and get certified in a wide range of skills, including:

  • IT concepts & terminology
  • Infrastructure
  • Applications & software
  • Software development
  • Critical thinking
  • Database fundamentals
  • Security
  • AI and Machine Learning
  • Systems Thinking
  • …and more!

Followup Practicum Placement: Those who successfully complete the Siksika Nation IT Fundamentals Training Program will have opportunity to participate in a paid practicum placement to further learn and put into practice their IT skills.

To Apply: Complete the application form and email to: info@blackfoottech.ca. Successful applicants will be selected based on the completeness of their application form and suitability assessment.

This project aims to formalize and develop the capacity of Siksika Nation’s local IT sector and network of community IT technicians. The experience and knowledge of Siksika’s existing IT personnel – predominantly Siksika Nation members themselves – is leveraged to build a local IT sector and network of community technicians: via their participation in the Blackfoot Tech Council to provide direction and oversight to shape the network and its applications; and by building their own capacity through regular training and a tiered mentorship (knowledge sharing) model.

As of June 2023, the Blackfoot Tech Council has offered training and mentorship in partnership with our partners: Computing Technology Industry Association (“CompTIA”), Braintoy, and InceptionU for:

  • 10 graduates (existing Siksika Nation IT specialists) in advanced level Core Technology skills, Network skills and Security skills;
  • 14 Siksika Nation community members (successful program applicants) graduated with IT Fundamentals certificates, and then had option to be placed in practicums for hands-on experience with departments across Siksika;
  • 15 Siksika Nation community members graduated with IT Fundamentals certificates, SAIT-issued AI/machine learning certificates (via Braintoy), and practicum placements with Siksika Nation departments and partnering organizations for hands-on experience;
  • 7 Siksika Nation Outreach School students graduated with IT Fundamentals certificates, and SAIT-issued AI/machine learning certificates (via Braintoy)

Congratulations to all graduates so far! And for more information about upcoming training opportunities contact our IT Training Program Coordinator.

OUR TRAINING PARTNERS:

CompTIA is a leading international IT company that provides education and certification in a wide range of technology topics

Braintoy is an organization that teaches AI and Machine Learning, technologies that allow software applications to become more accurate at predicting outcomes

InceptionU is a non-profit education organization that builds learning solutions to address the skills gaps in our rapidly changing digital economy