• The program is offered at no cost to approved applicants. This free opportunity is made possible through funding in part by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

• We are looking for individuals who are interested in exploring careers in Data Analytics or Cybersecurity and are ready to commit to the program. The Foundations Edition is designed for beginners, including people from non-technical backgrounds, and is best suited to learners who are motivated, curious, and prepared to participate consistently over the 8-week program.
• Tip – Take your time answering the questions when filling out the application form – we receive many applicants and seats are limited.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have completed a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Reside in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island

In lieu of a high school diploma, individuals may still apply with a recommendation from a partnering community organization.

• The Foundations Edition runs for 8 weeks. It combines self-paced online learning with mandatory live sessions led by Teaching Assistants. Participants also take part in career development workshops and industry awareness activities throughout the program.

• While the program does not guarantee employment, it is designed to help participants build foundational technical skills, strengthen career awareness, and better understand how their experience and interests can connect to opportunities in the tech sector. Participants also benefit from exposure to industry insights and practical career development support.

• Yes. In addition to self-paced technical content, the program includes live Teaching Assistant sessions, career development workshops, industry awareness activities, and an orientation experience to help participants succeed in the program.

To successfully complete the program and receive a Certificate of Completion, participants must achieve a minimum overall score of 70%.

Graduation criteria:

• Technical Content – 30%
• Assignments and Quizzes – 40%
• Industry Activities – 10%
• TA Sessions – 2% each (10 points maximum)
• Career Development Workshops – 10%

Total: 100%

• Yes. Course handouts and shared resources can be saved for future reference, and useful links may be bookmarked for later review.

• Yes, all live sessions are recorded, you can find them on our Skills for Hire Atlantic Vimeo platform. We will share the links to our Vimeo page after each session.

• You can email us at [email protected].

• Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 10 to 12 hours per week to the program, including self-paced learning and live sessions. Some participants may need additional time depending on their background, learning style, and pace.

• Participants are assessed through a combination of technical content completion, assignments, quizzes, participation in TA sessions, career development workshops, and industry activities.

• No. Participants may apply to only one stream per cohort. You can choose either Data Analytics or Cybersecurity based on your interests and goals.

• Yes – we have Program Participation Guidelines, which you can learn more about here. All participants will be required to review and sign these guidelines after being accepted into the program.

• When completing your application, it is crucial to carefully review all the information provided. The long answer questions play a significant role in our decision-making process, given the high volume of applicants we receive for each cohort. Therefore, it is essential to dedicate ample time and provide comprehensive answers. We prioritize applicants who demonstrate a genuine desire for career advancement, a willingness to enter or transition into the tech sector, and the perceived ability to succeed in our program. Moreover, we value ambition and the ability to foresee the benefits of joining our program and how it aligns with your goals. It’s important to note that not all applicants will be accepted due to the large number of applications we receive. However, we carefully consider each application and assess them based on their fit with the program and their potential for success.

• No. Skills for Hire Atlantic is not a formal educational institution and is not accredited by a governing body. It is a non-credit training program designed to help participants build practical foundational skills and explore career pathways in the tech sector.