Sector

SECTOR

Addressing the Talent Gap

Find Your Dream Job And Your Adventurous Spirit In The NL Technology And Innovation Sector.

Would you like to work in a high-growth and innovative sector?

The tech sector in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is thriving with many opportunities for skilled workers! The sector offers flexible work options, excellent salaries, and exceptional work cultures.  Best of all, living in the uniquely beautiful and rugged Newfoundland and Labrador offers unique advantages such as short commutes, affordable housing, and accessible ocean views.

Fuelled by the explosive growth of established companies and new startups, the tech sector in the province is expected to hire more than 2000 employees in the next five years. However, we don’t currently have the required number of workers to fill this demand.

This talent gap means an abundance of job opportunities and a chance to chart your career path by trying different roles in the burgeoning tech sector. You don’t need to have a technical education or a particular personality type to succeed in the tech industry.  All you need is passion and a thirst to learn.

Billion Industry

Starting Salary

Average Salary

Employed

Companies

%

plan on expanding

of that 75% plan to increase workforce and expand to other markets

BENEFITS OF WORKING IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Affordable Housing

Ocean Views

Short Commutes

Great Outdoors

What roles do tech companies hire for?

Tech companies seek professionals from different backgrounds and experiences. While some roles require specific experience, there are many opportunities for professionals with non-technology backgrounds to add value. Some of the most sought after roles in tech include:

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Customer Success

Although customer success (CS) is a fairly new and evolving function, its main goal is to reduce churn by focusing on customer engagement and customer empowerment. A CS specialist will help the customer successfully navigate the software product, monitor customer satisfaction and look for possible trouble areas. Depending on the company’s structure, the CS specialist will also upsell or cross-sell products to interested customers.

Skills required: The right candidate should have excellent communication skills; be empathetic; have a strategic mind; ability to analyse data and be a team player.

Software Development and Coding

Software developers, coders, and engineers design, build, and test computer software and applications. Software engineers’ key duties and responsibilities include directing and participating in programming activities, tracking and evaluating system performance, and developing and implementing new programmes and features.

Skills required: The right candidate should have a good mathematical aptitude; problem-solving skills; ability to learn programming languages; attention to detail; self-development skills and team-work skills.

Product Management

Product managers are responsible for directing a product’s development and leading the cross-functional team which is responsible for its progress. Setting the strategy, roadmap, and feature description for a product or product line is an important organisational position – particularly in technology companies.

Skills required: The right candidate should have top notch communication skills; be empathetic; be a strategic problem solver; delegation skills and leadership skills.

Data Science

Data scientists are working closely with company stakeholders to understand their goals and to decide how data can be used to achieve those goals. They develop processes for data analysis, build algorithms and predictive models to generate the data the company requires, and help interpret the data and share insights with colleagues.

Skills required: The right candidate should have a good mathematical aptitude; problem-solving skills; ability to learn programming languages; attention to detail; creativity; self-development skills and team-work skills.

Marketing

Marketers promote a company and the product and services it sells. Individuals employed in marketing usually plan and execute inbound and outbound advertising strategies that increase brand awareness and use marketing techniques to persuade customers to make a purchase from a company. Technology has helped evolve the marketing function through new channels and applications and hence has led to new marketing career paths, which include digital marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, growth marketing, content marketing, graphic design, social media marketing, conversion rate optimization, product marketing and marketing analysis.

Skills required: The right candidate should have creativity; problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills; self-development skills and team-work skills.

There is no single way to get into these roles and the roles themselves are continuously evolving in the tech sector, but understanding what these roles entail and seeking a foundational education is the first step.

Where can I gain the foundational education?

Tech companies seek professionals from different backgrounds and experiences. While some roles require specific experience, there are many opportunities for professionals with non-technology backgrounds to add value. Some of the most sought after roles in tech include:

Keyin Tech

Keyin College was originally established in 1980, with the goal of providing career seekers with the practical skills they would need to succeed and flourish in a competitive job market. As the province’s largest private college, Keyin is well prepared to deliver career-focused graduates to the workforce, both in the province and beyond.

Software Development Course:This 64-week program provides training on key software skills that are highly relevant in the local technology sector, as well as across other major markets in Canada and the USA. Taught by expert instructors with real industry experience, the program prepares graduates for entry-level software jobs in front-end and back-end software development, DevOps, and software design. The program will be delivered over 4 semesters.

Learn more

College of the North Atlantic (CNA)

CNA is the province’s public college – one of the largest post-secondary educational and skills training centres in Atlantic Canada, with a history dating back more than 55 years. Today, CNA has 17 campuses; thousands of students studying its curriculum at various partner universities in China; and, a technical education college for the State of Qatar in the Middle East.

Software Development (Co-op):This three-year program focuses on the competencies required to design, implement, and maintain software systems that operate in a secure business networked environment containing stationary and mobile devices. The program combines theoretical and practical learning experiences in a team-oriented setting. The program includes course work, team projects, and three co-op placements. The program focuses on application development, database design and development, systems analysis, team building, communications, interpersonal skills, ethics, and best practices. This diversity provides opportunities for the student to acquire the skills, professionalism, and adaptability required to succeed in the dynamic and challenging field of programming. Learn more

Business Management (Marketing): The three-year Business Management (Marketing) diploma program is designed to give students a background in business management with emphasis on the area of Marketing. Students acquire a solid understanding of the practices involved in marketing and promoting a product or service. This includes advertising, market research, professional selling, distribution, business planning, and customer relations. Learn more

Graphic Design: Graphic Design is a technology-based two-year program that helps students hone their creativity while learning the cutting-edge design skills needed in today’s fast-paced global business environment. Graphic designers develop outstanding solutions for clients in an industry that embraces and rewards great ideas, a passion for excellence, attention to detail, and a love of digital technology. Learn more

Video Game Art & Design: This three-year program provides an extensive practice of the design and artistic approaches to video game development, opening several avenues into the game industry. Students will graduate from the program with a competitive portfolio of original games, written documentation, and art assets, as well as a deep knowledge of the practices of game design and development. Learn more

College of the North Atlantic Co-Op Education: Learn More

 

Memorial University of Newfoundland

At Memorial University more than 18,000 students from over 100 countries come together to discover. From the classics to advanced technology, Memorial offers certificate, diploma, undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs across four campuses and online. A global network of more than 90,000 accomplished alumni throughout the world strengthens Memorial University’s capacity and reputation for leadership in research, teaching, and public engagement.

Computer Engineering: Computer engineering is a fast-changing discipline concerned with the design and analysis of computer systems applied to the solution of practical problems. The five-year long program (1 year in Engineering One + 4 years in major) encompasses both computer hardware and software design in applications ranging from telecommunications and information systems (such as the Internet or telephone networks) to instrumentation and robotics. Learn more

Computational Mathematics: The computational mathematics program at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University is a four-year bachelor of science degree. Students strengthen their logical reasoning skills and can gain technical knowledge in diverse areas, including: Economics, Engineering, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Business, and Computer Science. Learn more

Computer Science:  The four-year long Bachelor of Science program deals with the theoretical foundations of information and computation, and with practical techniques for their implementation and application. Memorial’s Co-operative Internship in Computer Science (CICS) provides an opportunity for you to obtain rewarding placements in industry. The internship program includes a paid placement of eight to sixteen months so you can explore career options and develop workplace skills at the same time. Learn more

Bachelor of Business Administration: This four-year program is a flexible degree program that provides students with the knowledge and expertise to succeed in the business world after graduation. The customizable pace and course load make the program an excellent option for full-time or part-time students as well as those wishing to transfer from other post-secondary institutions. The program may be completed on campus, through online learning, or a combination of both. There is a wide variety of business electives to choose from including marketing and information systems. Learn more

Bachelor of Commerce (Co-operative): This five-year program is designed to provide students with valuable work experience to complement knowledge learned in the classroom. The co-operative component of the program alternates academic study terms with periods of full-time employment, equating to one full year of work experience. Students may choose to focus their business electives in marketing, information systems, or other areas. Learn more

Graduate Diploma in Business Administration: This five-course, program is designed to deliver crucial management skills through relevant course offerings for working professionals who have at least five years of work experience. With accessible course scheduling that includes lunch hours and evenings, combined with a three-semester system, this program allows students to expand their career opportunities by augmenting the academic credentials you already have with a graduate diploma in business administration.

Master of Business Administration: Memorial’s course-based MBA program is focused on providing fundamental business knowledge and leadership skills. Students may focus their studies to meet their own goals and interests through electives, research projects and opportunities to study abroad. Our MBA students enjoy the benefits of small class sizes, one-on-one interaction with instructors and modern learning facilities such as the White Trading Lab. An internationally-accredited program with a curriculum that is both rigorous and relevant and compels you to participate, Memorial’s MBA delivers the business fundamentals and skills to help you succeed locally, nationally and globally.

Master of Science in Management: Students choose our research-focused Master of Science in Management (M.Sc.) program to develop rigorous research skills and a versatile skillset that offers a number of options in academia and industry upon graduation.

MBA in Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship: Memorial’s MBA in social enterprise and entrepreneurship (MBA-SEE) is the first MBA program in Canada purposefully designed to prepare students to become a new kind of leader for a new way of doing business – one that is based on the three pillars of sustainability: people, planet and profits. Every course in our MBA-SEE is designed to help students develop a keen understanding of the strategic context of social enterprise and social entrepreneurship. With the practical experience of a four-month internship, and by entering the program as part of a cohort, our MBA-SEE provides students with a shared experience that develops and solidifies a professional network to last a lifetime.

Master of Accounting: Offered through a partnership with the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University, the Sprott-Memorial MAcc offers an innovative pathway for students across Canada seeking to write the Chartered Professional Accountants’ (CPA) Common Final Examination (CFE). The CFE is the final step of the educational requirements to become a CPA. The MAcc enables students to earn a postgraduate degree while completing their professional education.

Master of Employment Relations: From career counselling to contract negotiations, Memorial’s MER program will help you to effectively manage relationships at your organization. Our multi-disciplinary program provides advanced-level study of all aspects of the employment relationship as well as offers insight into the history and sociology of work cultures. Learn about labour market trends, the latest research in industrial relations and best practices in human resources management. With required courses in business, sociology, history and economics, our MER program considers the employment relationship from a variety of viewpoints. The program’s research component also gives students the opportunity to design and execute a research project that’s tailored to their interests.

 

 

Upskilling Resorces

SECTOR

Resources

There are many facets to techNL’s approach that address short, medium, and long-term goals to fuel the talent pipeline in the NL technology and innovation sector. Here are some resources to help build a more robust and diverse skilled talent population in the province.

Funding Sources for Co-op Positions

ICTC

The Information and Communications Technology Council’s WIL Digital is an innovative Work Integrated Learning program that helps employers grow their businesses by providing financial assistance for hiring post-secondary students. WIL Digital is funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP). Subsidies are paid to employers who bring on students for a meaningful WIL opportunity. WIL Digital provides: 50% of the student’s salary, up to $5,000; or 70% of the student’s salary, up to $7,000, if the student falls within one of the following under-represented groups: Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Indigenous students, Newcomers (immigrants who immigrated within the last 5 years), students with disabilities, visible minorities and first-year students.

Application: https://www.wil-ait.digital/en/      

For more information contact Tim Perron at t.perron@ictc-ctic.ca or 902-401-4324.

 

MITACS

We have been using a MITACS program specific to MUN Business Co-op students that funds 75% ($7500) and we fund 25% (2500) to get a full-time 4-month co-op student. This program is not advertised on their website as it is associated with COVID-19.

Contact Person: Libby Carew lcarew@mitacs.ca

Another program is also offered:

Elevate – Solve your research challenges with academic expertise, leveraged funding, and one-to-one support from MITACS. Internships start at four months and can scale up as much as you need — the organization’s financial contribution starts at $7,500 and MITACS matches $7500.

Application: https://www.mitacs.ca/en/programs/accelerate#business

MITACS is also available through College of the North Atlantic Co-Operative Education Office.

Contact Person: Tony Slade tony.slade@cna.nl.ca

CEWPAP

Co-operative Education Work Placement Assistance Program (CEWPAP). This initiative has been made possible by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Immigration, Skills, and Labour and is administered by Student Life (Career Development) at Memorial University and the Co-op Office at the College of the North Atlantic under Covid-19 Co-op Wage Subsidy Funding Program. CEWPAP will fund 75% of the co-operative education student’s overall hourly salary up to a maximum of $8,000. It is important to note that the subsidy does not cover expenses related to mandatory employment contribution expenses (MERC) such as E.I., C.P.P., vacation pay, and workers’ compensation.

Application:

Memorial University: https://www.mun.ca/coop/employers/funding/CEWPAP_Application_updated.pdf

College of the North Atlantic:

https://www.cna.nl.ca/student-employment/pdfs/Co-operative-Education/covid-19-co-op-wage-subsidy-application.pdf

SECPAP

Small Enterprise Co-operative Placement Assistance Program. This initiative has been made possible by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Advanced Education and Skills (formerly called Human Resources Labour and Employment). CNA Co-Op Office and Student Life (Career Development) work in partnerships to administer this program throughout Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).  SECPAP will fund 50% of the co-operative education student’s overall hourly salary up to a maximum of $6.25/hr. It is important to note that the SECPAP subsidy does not cover expenses related to mandatory employment contribution expenses (MERC) such as E.I., C.P.P., vacation pay, and workers’ compensation.

Application: https://www.mun.ca/coop/employers/funding/forms/SECPAP_Application_Fillable.pdf

College of the North Atlantic:
https://www.cna.nl.ca/student-employment/pdfs/Co-operative-Education/SECPAP-Application.pdf

CSE

MUN’s Centre for Social Enterprise provides $2500 toward student positions in social enterprises.

Contact person: Nicole Helwig nhelwig@mun.ca

RIIPEN

Not co-op support but an opportunity for companies to get short term student labour to work on a specific project. The student is paid and the work is 100% funded by the federal government. Flexible Remote Projects 80-hour projects performed over 2-8 weeks. Students can work independently or in a group of their choosing to tackle a business’ challenges. Funded by the Government of Canada, employers of any size have the opportunity to work with talented, bright students. Students are compensated directly through RIIPEN.

Application: https://www.riipen.com/levelup