Cybersecurity Program for Indigenous Talent Sees Promising Early Outcomes
A groundbreaking cybersecurity initiative aimed at nurturing Indigenous talent in Fredericton has demonstrated promising preliminary outcomes.
In November of last year, the McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick unveiled a 12-week IT training program tailored for Indigenous students aspiring to enter the cybersecurity sector.
This initiative emerged from a collaboration with the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI), an organization dedicated to enhancing Indigenous economic development within New Brunswick, alongside Thales Canada, a prominent player in the aerospace and defense sector.
Lana Reid, strategic program director for the McKenna Institute, revealed on Thursday that the program has successfully concluded its inaugural cohort, which consisted of five students.
“The remarkable aspect of this program is its commitment to fostering cybersecurity training for Indigenous youth, addressing the urgent demand for talent within the sector,” remarked Reid. “Our aspiration is to retain these individuals within the industry.”
Thales is facilitating the program at the National Digital Education Excellence Centre located within Fredericton’s Cyber Centre. Reid noted that four of the participants from this cohort have secured one-year internships with Thales, while the fifth student is pursuing further education.
Reid elaborated that participants acquire skills such as conducting penetration tests, a method that simulates cyberattacks to evaluate vulnerabilities within computer systems.
She emphasized that the hands-on experience gained equips participants with the practical skills necessary for real-world applications. Reid hopes that this initiative will inspire more Indigenous youth to consider careers in cybersecurity.
“As awareness spreads, Indigenous youth contemplating this career path will begin to visualize their possibilities within the field,” stated Reid. “This creates a ripple effect that significantly aids our Indigenous youth in navigating a much-needed and burgeoning industry in New Brunswick.”
With the first group of participants having successfully completed the program, Reid indicated that organizers are contemplating future enhancements for the initiative.
“We are exploring ways to ensure the program continues to evolve, aiming to provide access for more students across all corners of New Brunswick,” Reid said.
This includes making it more accessible and inclusive for those facing barriers, such as transportation challenges, to attend in-person classes for 12 weeks.
The outcomes are already evident; we recognize the program’s potential and are genuinely proud to have contributed to something so impactful and necessary.
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