Industry Applications are now closed for the 2023 program. 

What can the High School Tech Immersion Program do for your company? 

Complete Projects: During the past two years of the program our high school interns have demonstrated impressive skill, dedication, and an eagerness to learn. For year three of the program we hope to harness those assets into Student Tech Teams who can help your company accomplish real and meaningful projects.  

Help you See the Future: Our high school interns have gone on to attend post-secondary programs such as Engineering, Business, Software Development, Computer Science, and more where they will seek work terms and full-time positions. What better way to get to know a future hire than working with them as a high school student? 

Gain Company Ambassadors: Our past interns have stated that after the program they feel they have a true understanding of the company they worked for. They share their experience with the peers, families, and networks which can market your service or promote your company as an employer. 

Student Tech Teams consist of 4 students who will be matched to your company based on interest, experience, and ability. Student Tech Teams will work directly with employers for 6 weeks of the summer and complete a project of the employer’s choosing in the area of web/software development, engineering, business, and/or customer success. 

Why should I take part?
Because you’re committed to fostering a love of tech in the young people of our province! And also because:  

• Ideas and innovation can come from anywhere, including high school students. 
• Young people are a breath of fresh air, bringing big energy and excitement to your team. 
• Engaging with talented, interested young people is a great “longtail” recruiting strategy.  
• Every program participant becomes an ambassador for your company and the tech sector amongst their friends and schoolmates.  
• Initiatives like this help build leadership among your teams and within your organization.  
• Building the talent pipeline is everyone’s responsibility. 

 Who are the students and how are they selected to take part?  

Participants are Grade 10, 11 and 12 students from all over Newfoundland and Labrador. They have independently sought out and applied to this program, thereby showing their level of interest. Some have a very high level of technical acumen and already know they want a career in tech, while others less experienced but very keen to find out if a career in tech is right for them.  

Each application is reviewed by a committee of techNL staff. Based on a pre-established rubric, individuals are screened in or out, given a score, and placed into categories based on interests. High scoring individuals within each category are then reviewed for alignment with the available program Sponsor spaces. Sponsors are provided with the applications of several students for review and may request a virtual “fit” call. The final placement decision is made by the Sponsor. 

techNL is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the tech sector by empowering young women and other equity-deserving groups to take part in this program. We will be working with an EDI consultant to ensure program success.  

How is the program structured? 

The program will run from July 10-Aug 18, 2023. The program is a work-integrated learning experience meaning that during the workweek students will spend 15 hours in technical training administered by a techNL partner and 20 hours working with their sponsor company. Additional training sessions and networking events may be offered to students throughout the program as well. 

The program is structured as a sponsorship model whereby employers pay a sponsorship fee ($800) upfront to techNL to cover 25% of student wages. Payroll is administered by techNL. 

What can students do? Students can take part in a variety of projects and tasks. In the past students have: 

• Worked on social media projects, search engine marketing, website updates, and new market research. 
• Been a part of product development, QA testing, and maintenance. 
• Completed basic data input, analytics, and visualization. 
• Helped with app development and design. 
• Worked on robotics, coding, and image simulations. 
• Researched new software and tools. 
• Completed HR-related resources and improved office efficiency.  
• Completed training courses like Google certifications and Salesforce. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Is the program virtual or in-person? This is at the employer’s discretion. It is important to provide opportunities to students who live outside the metro region, so we hope to have a balance of the two. 
2. What happens if the student calls in sick or requests vacation? This is at the Sponsor’s discretion; however, we make it clear to students that they are expected to attend all days of the program.  
3. Is this an internship? This program is weighted such that students spend about half their time learning and half with their Sponsors. Thus, a better term is work-integrated learning. What is similar to an internship is that Sponsors provide experience in and exposure to the real world of tech careers. You can think of it as “internship lite”.  
4. What does the Sponsorship fee cover exactly? Your Sponsorship covers the entirety of the program for your student, orientation, training, and work included. You will receive value in the form of meaningful work done by your student in return for your financial contribution, but Sponsorship is also about providing a young person with a holistic, immersive introduction to the sector with the intent of encouraging them to choose a career in tech.  

We know you may have a lot of questions! Please read the following to gain a better understanding of the program.  

What would I do? Student work is determined by the sponsor and can include a variety of projects and tasks. Generally, we break the work into 4 broad categories: Software Development, Engineering, Sales and Marketing, and Customer Success.  

In the past students have: 

• Worked on social media projects, search engine marketing, website updates, and new market research. 
• Been a part of product development, QA testing, and maintenance. 
• Completed basic data input, analytics, and visualization. 
• Helped with app development and design. 
• Worked on robotics, coding, and image simulations. 
• Researched new software and tools. 
• Completed HR-related resources and improved office efficiency.  
• Completed training courses like Google certifications and Salesforce. 

Do I need to live in the St. John’s-metro region? 

No. We encourage students from all over Newfoundland and Labrador to participate. Training will be conducted virtually, and some work placements will be available virtually.  

Do I need to know how to code?  

No. In fact, you do not need to have any tech experience to take part in this program, just a keen interest in learning about a career in the tech industry. 

If I am selected, what is expected of me?
Foremost, you are expected to attend and engage in the program each day for the full six weeks. Students will not be granted vacation days within this period. You will be expected to complete work to the best of your ability assigned both in training and on-the-job. You will act in a respectful, inclusive, and accountable manner. You will be expected to complete pre- and post-surveys about your experience in the program and communicate with techNL on a regular basis. Most importantly, you’ll also be expected to have fun, learn, and enjoy your summer!  

Will I be paid?  

Yes. You will be paid at a rate of $15 per hour, for 35 hours each week, for six weeks.  

When does the program start and finish? 

The program begins on July 10 and runs until Aug 18. You will be expected to attend a training session prior to the start of the program and expected to complete an exit survey.  

Who is eligible?

• Current Grade 10, 11, and 12 students (as of May 1, 2023).
• You are eligible to work in Newfoundland and Labrador.

What is the selection process? 

Each application is reviewed by a committee of techNL staff. Priortity will be given to students who are undecided but keenly curious about a tech career. We aim to engage with students from all backgrounds with a focus on under-represented groups in STEM (individuals who identify as: female and gender-diverse, 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, visual minority, and rural citizens).

Based on a pre-established rubric, individuals are screened in or out, given a score, and placed into categories based on interests. High scoring individuals within each category are then reviewed for alignment with the available program Sponsor spaces. Sponsors are provided with the applications of several students for review and may request a virtual “fit” call. The final placement decision is made by the Sponsor. 

How do I apply?
If you are currently a student in Grade 10, 11, or 12 (as of May 1, 2023) and a student in Newfoundland and Labrador just complete an online application. The application form can be found on here! The closing date for applications is May 31, 2023.

When will I find out if I’ve been selected?  

techNL will let all applicants know the status of their application by June 16, 2023.