The Government of Yukon has reached an agreement with Yukon University and ComIT, with the support of Google, to host a coding training program for Yukon First Nations students. The agreement will last for a period of one year.
Participants in the program will be provided with free coding training and have an opportunity to join an entry-level technology position upon graduation from the program.
The Government of Yukon and Yukon University have agreed to:
- explore the establishment of a Yukon-specific cohort to participate in ComIT’s Recoding Futures training;
- establish a multi-level partnership with Yukon First Nations, industry, academia and government departments to promote and recruit for this training;
- collaborate on the design of possible wrap-around services for students of this program;
- develop and distribute promotional materials throughout the partnership’s marketing channels;
- based on local interest and demand, collaborate with ComIT to determine the number of cohorts and associated start dates; and
- explore the feasibility of hosting an in-person kick-off meeting.
This coding training program will provide Yukon First Nations students with coding skills that will advance them in their future careers and help fill jobs that require a unique skillset. It is important that we build up young people to reach their full potential while leading fulfilling lives and careers. I want to thank Yukon University and ComIT for providing this incredible opportunity to Yukon youth.
Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai
This coding training will enable Yukon First Nations youth to break trail to career opportunities in social media, web and app development. The tools and problem-solving skills earned can be applied in many ways to overcome challenges faced in life, career and our communities. We are thrilled to be part of this initiative.
Yukon University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lesley Brown
We are pleased to work with the Government of Yukon and Yukon University on this important initiative to tackle the development of Tech talent by designing a financially accessible training program that directly benefits Indigenous communities, and we look forward to a mutually beneficial collaboration – one which will benefit Indigenous students and the local Tech ecosystem.
Executive Director of ComIT Pablo Listingart
The virtual program will be completely free for eligible candidates.
Program eligibility includes:
o self-identifying as Indigenous;
o being 15 years old or older;
o having the ability to study part-time (eight hours a week);
o possessing basic digital literacy skills; and
o having access to a computer and the internet.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Damian Topps
Communications, Economic Development
867-667-5378
damian.topps@yukon.ca
Michael Vernon
Communications, Yukon University
867-332-4722
mvernon@yukonu.ca