Didn't Get What You Were Looking For? We Recommend Lego, Mecano, Chemistry Sets, The Sims.WOW
By Lynda Leonard, Senior Vice-President ITAC
Our industry has a virtually insatiable appetite for talent. Even when the economic outlook is less than positive, many companies in our community are actively recruiting.
One of the keys to building a robust talent pool is ensuring that the young men and women that our society is educating grow up with interest and passion for the technical disciplines upon which our industry is based. This starts with encouraging enthusiasm for math, science, engineering and technology at the earliest stage in a young person’s development. Fostering this early enthusiasm is not an easy job. These disciplines aren’t easy and, in some cases, social pressures about what’s cool and what isn’t provide easy exits from these courses of study.
Fortunately, there is a small army of educators and activists determined to instil their own passions for science in the next generation of students. I was fortunate enough to have at least one teacher, Mr. Lopez-Perrera, who worked valiantly to show me the miracles of science. Not all of us are so lucky and for many keeping the fires stoked in math and science becomes an extracurricular activity.
Working with funding provided by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and with the Science and Technology Awareness Network (STAN), ITAC is just completing an inventory of organizations dedicated to promoting math and science among K to 12 students in Ontario. The current inventory lists nearly 200 programs ranging from the science fairs run by the Youth Science Foundation, to science camps designed by Actua specifically for First Nations Communities.
I’m delighted to report that the ICT industry itself plays a significant part in this movement. Many, many of our companies sponsor, promote and otherwise support the work of these organizations. But beyond that, some have even developed and run programs of their own. IBM, for example, puts on a summer camp for budding computer scientists, and as Rob Long outlines in one of our features stories, Nortel has developed a number of programs for both students and their teachers.
Yet in spite of all this dedicated activity, it sometimes feels like we’re losing the battle. Enrolments in post-secondary computer science programs are not strong. And in a generation the ratio of female to male engineering students remains stuck at 1:5. Clearly we all need to join the movement.
Science literacy and the heightened curiosity it engenders are foundations for a rich quality of life. Our own personal efforts through formal or informal mentorship with the students in our families and communities can pay off in wonderful ways. I can set the next generation of technology entrepreneurs on their career paths. It can inspire a budding research scientist. But, more fundamentally, it can also equip the people who will inherit an increasingly complex and dynamic world with the fundamental tools necessary for good citizenship in the 21st century.
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Educating the Next Generation of Canadian IT Leaders: A Shared Responsibility
By Jason Grosse
 Rob Long, Manager - Community Relations, Nortel |
The ICT industry is full of companies who are making a conscious effort to address the declining interest in ICT as a career. They are doing this by taking their message directly to young Canadians.
Nortel is a great example of this approach. The company runs its own programs like Nortel LearniT, which is Nortel’s key initiative aimed at educating students and teachers about the positive influence digital technologies can have on learning. The company also partners with global initiatives like Curriki, which is a global initiative designed to make learning materials available online for free. The major initiatives are followed by sponsorships of the One Laptop per Child Program, and partnerships with local organizations such as ACTUA.
Nortel’s global charitable activities are run by a team of four and across Canada its efforts are directed by Rob Long, Manager of Community Relations for Nortel Canada. ITAC Online spoke to Rob about some of the things that Nortel is doing to educate and prepare young Canadians for careers in technology.
How have the programs grown and changed since you’ve been with Nortel?
“When I joined Community Relations at Nortel in 1996, we were working quite
a bit on STEM and other related programs. Because we were hiring quite a
large percentage of the engineering and computer science graduates we felt
compelled to give (back) to the system and encourage kids to look at careers
in IT … Leading in to 2000 there would have been about 2,000 university
students per year on co-op work experience programs — just in Ottawa - and
about 500 high school students per year in Ottawa.”
In this issue of ITAC Online we are focusing on Education. In Nortel’s
case, what are some of the programs that are either funded or run by Nortel?
“In today’s Nortel we’re running quite a few programs around the world … we
really began to focus on technology and its impact on communities and in
particular around education a couple of years ago and we call that Nortel
LearniT … Five or six years ago we also put an exhibit in the science and
technology museum called Connexxions, we’ve been sponsoring ACTUA for a
number of years, we were a founding sponsor. We are also participating in a
pilot program with OCRI and other industries called the Tech Centre in
Ottawa, which is designed to addresses Nortel’s concern over enrolment.
We’re also founding sponsors of the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) program
which is a great program targeted at using technology to change learning
around the world. A big part of our focus around Nortel LearniT involves
employee engagement and connecting them with their communities and how
technology can be a change agent.”
Do the programs focus on particular areas or certain segments of society?
What about programs for boys and girls separately?
“There are different targets for some of the programs. For example, OLPC
targets developing countries. We support another organization called
Curriki. Curriki is creating a repository for the world’s educational
content with the goal of having all the world’s educational content open and
free — those two are the world partners that we have. On behalf of Nortel,
ACTUA targets some of the native communities in Canada with Nortel
LearniT-based technology camps. We have worked with iSisters and other
organizations in the past that also target specific groups.”
How do these programs help Canada’s IT industry?
“All of us (industry) need to work together … we need other industries to
come on board and participate is similar initiatives … if we work
collaboratively on these types of programs where we are engaging kids and
teachers in technology and learning … I believe we can make a difference.”
Is Canada’s ICT industry doing a good job in getting the word out to
young people that IT careers are a great choice?
“No, were not doing a good enough job. The people who are influencing kids
are reading the newspaper, and there are many negative messages being picked
up by the media and really pushed too strongly that don’t reflect the
overall technology industry. There aren’t enough programs encouraging kids
the right way. We need more of a broad based program that targets multiple
levels and communication channels — and I don’t think we are doing that
right now. The incidental messages that are coming out (surrounding ICT) are
negative.” Nortel LearniT has many online resources that encourage students
and educators to do more research into careers and share that information
online we call these Career Bytes.
What are some of the things that Nortel has done to eliminate the
barriers to choosing a job in IT such as the perception of being “un-cool”
or “just for boys”
“Besides the Tech Center pilot currently under way, we actually did a
project with a high school here in Ottawa to find out if we could get girls
to enrol in IT related studies. What we found was that it is actually pretty
easy to get women in to IT — it’s the social aspect that makes the
difference. In order to attract more interest from young women in high
school, we found it was a combination of changing the curriculum to include
the social aspect, communicating to the young women directly about
technology programs, changing to a female instructor if possible, and
bringing in mentors or successful females as role models… It’s not rocket
science, but you have to be willing and committed to make changes. As well,
we have developed an interactive package for employees to take into the
community about technology careers and coming up this year we will be
visiting as many grade 10 Career classes as possible.
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Bell Employs Bold Moves to Stem Talent Loss in IT
 Stephane Boisvert, President - Enterprise, Bell Enterprise |
"As a business that relies heavily on innovation, Bell is keenly aware how difficult it is to recruit the best resources in this industry," says Stéphane Boisvert, President of Bell Canada Enterprise business. "Our pool of talent is declining. Falling enrolment in IT programs is now forcing companies to take more intensive, drastic measures to recruit the best talent. The problem is national in scope, and it requires a strong, concerted reaction. To turn the tide, we are going to need determination, a strategic plan, and leadership from both the private and public sectors."
Though this problem has been building for years, it has not gotten any better. So Mr. Boisvert took a bold initiative in late 2007. He led in the formation of the Canadian Coalition for Tomorrow's ICT Skills (CCICT) along with a broad cross section of ICT supplier and user companies, educators, and subject matter experts (including ITAC).
The CCICT's mission is to ensure that Canadian organizations can engage information and communications technology professionals who have knowledge, skills and talents to meet the evolving and diverse needs of this exciting field. At a recent meeting, the ITAC Board lent its strong support to the work of the CCICT.
The CCICT's marquee event will be a National ICT Week in late 2009. The Week's activities will inform students, educators, employers and immigrant organizations about the exciting changes in ICT careers.
Equally important, the CCICT plans to tackle a rebranded business/IT post-secondary curriculum; improve awareness of, and access to, the growing array of specialized multidisciplinary IT programs; and help employers develop best practices for attracting, retaining and developing ICT talent.
The CCICT has also hired the Conference Board of Canada to conduct a national survey of high school students, parents and guidance counsellors on their attitudes regarding ICT careers. The results will be released in early 2009.
The organization recently appointed ITAC Board member David Ticoll to function as its first Executive Director.
We encourage ITAC members to support the efforts of the CCICT, and to consider joining it. For additional information, email david@ticoll.com.
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ICT Industry Views on Economic Stimulus Package
As the federal government prepares its January budget and economic stimulus
package, ITAC has written to the Prime Minister to express the views of
Canada’s ICT industry.
The ICT industry is not asking for a bail-out. Even in the current economic environment, companies like RIM and Open Text are actively canvassing to fill hundreds of jobs. Our industry continues to have a bright future as a key driver of Canada’s growth, productivity and prosperity. That being said, our industry is going to suffer from the economic slowdown, and we have been saying for some time that improvements are needed to government programs so as to better allow our industry to realize its potential for Canada. This need becomes much more critical in these times of financial and economic disruption. Moreover, the plans already announced in other jurisdictions could place Canada at a competitive disadvantage if we do not similarly focus our investments on the future.
As you will see from our letter we have made a number of proposals to the government, proposals that have been identified as both needed and economically sound in on ongoing policy work and that will direct economic stimulus to valuable and effective investments in the future of the Canadian economy. The list is as follows, with further information in the letter itself.
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Ensure that plans for infrastructure investment embrace modern concepts about what constitutes infrastructure, including ICT and notably investments in electronic health and broadband technology.
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Ensure that support for Canada’s financial infrastructure includes the financial vehicles that innovation-based companies depend upon.
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Broaden the scope of the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative to include information and communications technology innovations or create a new short-term SADI for ICT.
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Incent Canadian businesses to invest in ICT.
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Continue to invest in education and research
We have also reiterated the view of our industry that the Canadian government should have a strategy for the ICT industry because of its unique role and importance in helping secure Canada’s future prosperity. This is a long standing request that has been supported, for example, by the Telecom Policy Review Panel in its 2006 report.
In these difficult times, it is important that our ICT industry stand together to ensure that our voice is heard among the many that are clamouring for the attention of policymakers.
We are therefore asking that you write to Ministers and other policymakers in the federal government, as well as provincial governments so that the stimulus plans that will be discussed between the Premiers and the Prime Minister are focused on the investments needed for Canada’s future success. We hope that your letters will support ITAC’s proposals, perhaps emphasizing portions of particular interest to your company. ITAC will be happy to provide you with any further information or advice you may need in this regard. Please don’t hesitate to reply to me or contact me at (613) 238 - 4822 ext. 231
ITAC's Pre-Budget Submission
Ontario minister of finance Dwight Duncan is currently preparing for a
February budget and has been canvassing stakeholders across the province for
their views on what Ontario needs to do to stimulate the economy. ITAC has
recommended that the province continue to keep its focus on its knowledge
based sectors including ICT. You can read our pre-budget submission
here.
ITAC Explores the Role of IP in the Formation of
Tech Ventures in New White Paper
It is generally assumed that the acquisition of intellectual property plays
a critical role in the formation of technology ventures. But just how
central a role is it? ITAC has just released a new white paper that examines
the experiences of several entrepreneurs in our community and suggests that
other factors, such as the recruitment of talent, are also important.
Click here to download the paper.
The Third Joint
ITAC/Global Semiconductor Alliance Forum: The Audacity of Imagination
April 14 - April 15, 2009, Waterloo
Everyday life in the 21st Century is not exactly what was envisaged
in the early 1960's TV shows like Star Trek and the Jetsons but technology
is impacting every aspect of our lives, both working and social - and not
always for the better! However, much as we would like the pace of change to
slow down, there is no sign of this happening anytime soon – so get ready
for a whole new generation of technologies which will impact our lives:
quantum computing; solar energy; green-tech; mobile 4th Gen Broadband;
imaging solutions. For more information, go to:
http://www.itac.ca/index.php/events/gsa2009
For a complete listing of all ITAC events go to: http://www.itac.ca/index.php/site/events/
Open Text is Growing
Canadian software giant Open Text is adding more than 200 jobs – mainly
business, finance and software development positions – at its Waterloo
headquarters. The need for new people is part of Open Text’s continued
expansion in the Waterloo area, where the company already has about 500
people. Open Text is Canada’s largest software company, employing about
1,000 people across the country and 3,500 around the world. The company is
also the largest independent company in the world developing enterprise
content management software, which helps organizations manage documents,
email, videos and other content. About 50 million people worldwide use Open
Text’s software.
“In the current slow economy, we’re looking for good people who can help Open Text grow as a global leader,” said Tom Jenkins, Executive Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer of Open Text. “We offer a tremendous opportunity for people to be part of a company that is expanding in the region. Increasing our local presence demonstrates once again how we continue to deepen our roots in Waterloo, a strong and vibrant community that has always been the perfect place for Open Text’s global home.”
For more information on career opportunities at Open Text, go to: http://www.opentext.com/2/global/company-careers.html.
Pacific Northwest Wireless Summit
January 18 - 20, 2009
Vancouver, BC
The Pacific Northwest Wireless Summit (PNWS) delivers a compelling mix of
the practical and the visionary around four themes: Ideas, Innovation,
Insight, and Investment. The wireless and new media conference will feature
leading edge companies, technology and business intelligence and will bring
together leaders, innovators, analysts and investors from Canada, the US,
Europe and Asia Pacific in the devices, networks, and applications mobile
sectors. The two-and-a-half-day Summit features five specialty forums, eight
keynote speakers, 26 educational sessions, 20 select exhibitors and more
than 200 wireless and new media professionals from the Pacific Northwest,
Asia Pacific, Western Europe and rest of the world. To learn more please
visit: http://www.pnwsummit.com
The 22nd International Olympiad in Informatics Pacific Northwest Wireless Summit
Presented by Research in Motion
August 2010
In August 2010, the University of Waterloo will be the first ever Canadian
Organization to host IOI the world's premier high school computing
competition featuring teams from 100 countries. For more information, or to
enquire how your company can get involved please go to: http://www.math.uwaterloo.ca/ioi2010launchevent/
We want to hear from you! Please submit your company's news link or press release to Jason Grosse at jgrosse@itac.ca for posting on the ITAC website.
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