NEWS RELEASE: MINISTER PATTY HAJDU KICKS OFF A UNIQUE NATION WIDE STUDENT WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING PROGRAM FOR THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

Vancouver, BC – Today, the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is delighted to announce the official launch of the Student Work-Integrated Learning Program WIL Digital to develop industry and innovation ready talent for the digital economy. ICTC’s recent labour market report “Navigating the Digital Shift – Outlook 2021, highlights an acute digital talent demand of around 216,000 by 2021, and where digital jobs growth has outpaced the overall economy by over 4 to 1. This initiative, funded by the Government of Canada and in close collaboration with industry and academic partners will provide 1000 students across Canada with quality work integrated experiences in three fast growth sectors of the Canadian economy: Fintech, Advanced Manufacturing, and Intelligent Retail.

WIL Digital is being officially launched today at SAP Labs Vancouver – BC by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour and ICTC President & CEO, Namir Anani.

 “When Canadian students get on-the-job education, they’re getting the experience they need to succeed. Our Innovation and Skills Plan is putting Canada’s skilled, talented and creative people at the heart of a more innovative future economy.” said the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

“We are delighted to launch this program in collaboration with the industry and academic partners from across Canada. This program entitled, the WIL to succeed in tomorrow’s digital economy – Innovation ready grads, is a significant milestone in addressing the skills and labour shortages while strengthening Canada’s digital advantage in a global economy.” said Namir Anani, ICTC President & CEO.

“SAP Labs Canada prides itself in our robust student internship and co-op work program. We hire more than 200 interns every year into our four Labs locations across the country and these students are key drivers of our success. We believe that building cross-generational teams, where young talent works alongside seasoned professionals, brings a diversity of thought that strengthens our innovation process. We are encouraged by the opportunity for the Student Work-Integrated Learning Program to offer this type crucial hands-on experience to ready Canadian youth for a lifetime of employment in the digital economy.” – Kirsten Sutton, Managing Director, SAP Labs Canada

For more information on this powerful program, visit: https://www.ictc-ctic.ca/education-and-skills/#youth

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work-Integrated Learning Program