Programs to get started
These programs are aimed at getting Indigenous Youth familiar with technology and making a career out of it.
First Nations Technology Council (FNTC)
Digital Skills Training Program
The First Nations Technology Council (FNTC) has an amazing digital skills training program that meets participants where they are in their learning journey. Whether you have no computer skills or some experience working with computers, they’ve got you covered!
The program is divided into four parts: Fundamentals, Foundations, Focus, and Futures.
Take a quiz to know what level of Digital Skills Training Program you’re at!
1
Fundamentals
In this 8-week course, you’ll learn basic computer skills for personal and professional use through online Zoom classes.
3
Focus
Now, it’s time to refine your career path in the tech sector. Choose a specific field of study like Networks, Digital Marketing, Web Development, or GIS/GPS Mapping in this 4-12 week course (depending on your choice). Earn certificates to boost your career!
2
Foundations
Get ready for an exciting 12-week tech exploration! Try out different things like design, coding, digital marketing, data analytics, and networks.
4
Futures
Take your skills to the next level! Futures offers advanced courses in Network technology, Drones, Data Analytics, Web Development, and UX/UI. This 3-8 week course will help you gain advanced certificates, preparing you for the technology workforce.
Indigenous Friends Society
IndigiTECH
This program from the Indigenous Friends Association has three exciting steps designed for Indigenous Youth entering the technology sector in either:
- Creative & Digital Design
- Customer Relations, Support & Customer Care
- Programming & Development
- UX Design
Step 1
You’ll embark on a 12-week technology training and career-building program of your choice where you’ll learn all about the technologies used digital marketing, design, or coding.
Step 3
Lastly, you’ll have an 8-week period of career services and ongoing support. They’ll help you find an amazing career in the technology industry, guiding you every step of the way.
Step 2
You’ll receive a 12-week paid internship with a leading tech company. You’ll get hands-on experience in the program you chose and apply your learning to real world experience.
ComIT
Recording Futures Indigenous Program
Get ready for an awesome opportunity with learning technologies to get into the tech field. ComIT is broken into two phases:
Phase 1
The one-month online introductory programs cover topics such as website programming, social media marketing or UX design, equipping the next generation of professionals with the skills needed to start their learning path.
Phase 2
This 3-month online course trains Indigenous people in technologies needed in the labor market. Classes will teach basic logic notions and coding languages such as Java, .Net and React among others. The topics of the courses offered will be determined by job openings across Canada. Soft skills and help with networking will also be included in these programs
Colleges and Universities
You can earn certificates, diplomas, and degrees to enter the technology industry at various BC colleges and universities. The best part is, you can choose specific technology studies or go for broader options that still provide the skills you need for tech work.
Check out these Universities and Colleges that offer a bunch of technology programs, like Computer Science and Design courses for the tech industry:
Developer Schools
Design Schools
Learn Through Youtube
Did you know that you can learn awesome skills on YouTube? Whether you want to learn how to play an instrument, draw amazing artwork, code your own video game, or even perform cool science experiments, there are countless YouTube channels that can teach you step-by-step.
Below are some great YouTubers to follow and learn coding and design online.
Free Code Camp - Youtube to Learn Code
Yes, I Am a Designer - YouTube to Learn Design
Express Learning
Bootcamps
Bootcamps are immersive training programs designed to teach participants the skills needed to enter the technology industry quickly! These bootcamps typically focus on teaching coding and programming languages, UX and UI Design, data science, cybersecurity, or other specialized areas within the tech field.
They usually take 3 months to complete and participants will receive certification. Below are some of the
BrainStation
BrainStation coding bootcamps are 400-hour, project-based programs that will help launch new careers in the tech industry.
Lighthouse Labs
Whether it’s a full-time bootcamp or a part-time program, Lighthouse Labs offers coding education from newbie to professional developer.
