April 28th, 2022

For Immediate Release.

New technology training program for Indigenous adults in Calgary.

We are dedicated to reducing the educational, employment, and technical skill gaps that exist in the Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) sector between Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals.

Calgary, Alberta (April 28, 2022) –Calgary-based Business and Technology organization Levvel Inc., along with Community Futures Treaty Seven, and Eagle Spirit Business Development introduce a truly unique tech training and employment program dedicated to the Indigenous Community.

With the increased demand for technology skilled talent, and the influx of technology start-ups and companies in and around Calgary the shortage is evident.

“Eagle Spirit Business Development is very excited to partner with SAGE TECHWORK with this step towards economic reconciliation. Indigenous peoples are under-represented in the technology industry, and this partnership opens the door for skilled Indigenous workers in Alberta’s booming tech sector.”

Jeremy Thompson  President, Eagle Spirit Business Development

The program is modelled after the successful QA and Software Testing program in Rwanda, in which Muraho Technology in partnership with Calgary’s Levvel Inc., were instrumental in training and certifying 80+ Rwandan women in tech. The ISTQB® certification provided the credibility for Rwandans to work on international software testing projects and the certification structure has guided many through higher certifications, with milestones for ongoing professional development in testing specializations (e.g., automation) as well as generalist competencies (e.g., project management).

In this very first cohort, 24 Indigenous adult students from Treaty Seven will attend classes on SAIT campus. Beginning with a traditional opening ceremony in the Indigenous Resource Centre at SAIT’s Chinook Lodge, Monday May 2^nd at 10:00 a.m.  With some support from the Federal Government and private industry businesses, the in-depth training and certification program will ensure they are job ready this summer.

This unique approach to education focuses not only on the technical training and skills required by industry, but it also encompasses the core competencies necessary for business career success. Unlike traditional education, TECHWORK graduates are job ready, have job placement support, and will receive on-going program coaching during the first 12 weeks of employment, designed to address workplace integration challenges. All keys to success.

“Companies highly value talent who can keep learning new technology. SAGE TECHWORK partners with Indigenous talent to develop their own competencies, to amplify the ways of learning and working that bring quality to the software development industry.”

Dr. Michael Pucci Program Director, SAGE TECHWORK

This supports the path to reconciliation goals, creating equal opportunity to career ready Indigenous individuals. Industry commitment will benefit from skilled talent and reconciliation goals which include diversity, equity, and inclusion. While enriching organizations with the cultural values and heritage offered by Indigenous peoples.

More About SAGE TECHWORK on the levvel.ca

For media inquiries: Cherene Kambeitz, 403-969-9505  Cherene.Kambeitz@levvel.ca