Frequently Asked Questions
Building on the success of the foundational Skills for Hire Atlantic program, SFHA Growth is free to residents of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick who are 18 years or older and have prior foundational training or experience that meets the program’s prerequisites.
While the core curriculum is delivered through self-paced online modules, participants will benefit from weekly live sessions led by Teaching Assistants (TAs), hands-on learning activities, and applied projects designed to simulate real-world technical challenges and reinforce job-ready skills.
Participants will also gain exposure to industry insights and mentorship through virtual panel discussions and networking opportunities with experts and employers. These engagements are designed to help learners strengthen their professional networks, gain confidence, and enhance their readiness for mid-level digital careers across Atlantic Canada.
The SFHA Advanced curriculum has been developed by CGI (Cybersecurity stream) and AI-First Consulting (Data Analytics & AI stream), drawing on global and Atlantic Canadian job market analysis to ensure alignment with emerging technologies, in-demand tools, and evolving workforce skill trends.
The SFHA Growth Edition program is completely free for approved applicants at this time. This no-cost opportunity is made possible through funding in part by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and is implemented by Digital Nova Scotia (DNS).
To be eligible for the program, applicants must:
- Be 18 years or older;
- Have completed a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent;
- Reside in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island.
In addition, a scoring rubric will be used during the selection process to ensure that applicants demonstrate the technical prerequisites needed to succeed in this intermediate-level training program. Participants should have at least 12 hours per week to commit over the 8-week program and be willing to complete self-paced online learning with additional live components.
The SFHA Growth program runs for 8 weeks. It combines self-paced online modules with weekly live sessions facilitated by Teaching Assistants (TAs). This structure provides flexibility while maintaining interactive support, ensuring participants can apply new knowledge through guided practice and peer engagement.
While the program does not guarantee employment, participants will gain advanced technical skills, project-based experience, and exposure to real-world tools and challenges aligned with mid-level roles in Cybersecurity and Data Analytics & AI. Learners will also connect directly with industry experts and employers to build confidence, expand networks, and enhance job readiness.
Unlike the foundational program, SFHA Growth focuses on mentorship, networking, and industry engagement rather than introductory career workshops. Participants will take part in virtual industry panels, mentorship sessions that provide insights into mid-level digital roles, workplace expectations, and emerging career opportunities across Atlantic Canada.
To earn a Certificate of Completion, participants must achieve a minimum overall score of 70%, which is based on engagement and performance in quizzes, assignments, and a final capstone project. The certificate demonstrates both technical competency and commitment to professional growth.
Yes. Participants can download course handouts and access recorded live sessions for future reference.
Yes, all live sessions are recorded, you can find them on our Skills for Hire Vimeo platform. We will share the links to our Vimeo page after each session.
Participants are encouraged to dedicate approximately 12 hours per week to coursework, including self-paced modules and live TA sessions. Time commitment may vary depending on each learner’s background, experience, and pace.
Learners will complete weekly quizzes, applied assignments, and a capstone project designed to test both technical proficiency and the ability to apply concepts to real-world problems.
No. Participants may apply to only one stream per cohort. However, graduates may apply to the other stream in the future if it aligns with their interests and skills.
You can email us at [email protected].
The SFHA Growth curriculum was developed based on comprehensive job market research and direct industry consultation to ensure its relevance to real workforce needs. Our partners — CGI (Cybersecurity stream) and AI-First Consulting (Data Analytics & AI stream) — conducted detailed labour market analyses to identify in-demand skills, tools, and competencies across both global and Atlantic Canadian contexts. These findings were then validated and refined through focus group discussions with employers and industry experts from across the region, ensuring that every learning outcome and project aligns with current job expectations and emerging trends. This evidence-based approach ensures that participants develop practical, industry-aligned skills that reflect the realities of today’s digital workforce and prepare them for advancement into mid-level roles in Cybersecurity and Data Analytics & AI.
Skills for Hire Growth Edition is a new pilot initiative designed in response to changing market demands. Funding for the Foundational Data Analytics and Cybersecurity programs is currently unavailable; however, if this changes, we will update this website with the available offerings.
No, our learning program is not affiliated with or recognized as a formal educational institution or accredited by any governing body.