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Up to 30 eligible people will receive cyber systems security training thanks to provincial funding going to the Surrey Board of Trade.

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More people can train to become cyber systems security specialists

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 2:35 PST, Tue December 20, 2022

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Up to 30 eligible participants will receive skills training to prepare them for jobs as cyber systems security specialists on the Lower Mainland through a new government-funded Community and Employer Partnerships (CEP) project.

"People get a pathway into high-demand cybersecurity jobs when B.C. funds training," said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. "The sector is growing rapidly, and employers want workers who can keep their operations safe from hackers."

The Surrey Board of Trade is receiving more than $550,000 to prepare participants for employment as cyber systems security specialists, with the help of its partners, Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS), and Western Community College.

"This leadership-oriented program will train the participants and provide them with the connection to businesses to ensure work support," said Anita Huberman, president and chief executive officer of the Surrey Board of Trade. "Participants will be trained for job openings and increase demand for digitally capable business management staff due to unforeseen issues, such as a limited number of professionally digitally literate employees."

Participants will receive 27 weeks of employability skills training, including cybersecurity fundamentals, cloud security, and intrusion and vulnerability testing courses, and four weeks of on-the-job experience with local employers. They will also get one week of job search support and one week of follow up support to prepare them for employment.

"The program will engage participants focused on defending internet-connected devices and services from malicious attacks by spammers and hackers, a growing concern in Canada,” said Raj Hundal, director of employment programs and planning, PICS Society. “It's helping Canadians, including newcomers, work in a growing field and develop skills to acquire the appropriate certifications and best utilize their skills."

Gurpal Dhaliwal, president of Western Community College, said: “This project will provide an immersive educational experience for participants to build their skills. To handle the aftermath of the pandemic, we want our participants to learn critical skills they need to thrive in post-pandemic economy. Western Community College is proud to partner with both the Surrey Board of Trade and PICS to offer occupational skills training."

The first intake of full-time, group-based learning began yesterday (Dec. 19). The second intake begins in March 2023. Anyone interested in finding out more about this or other CEP projects can contact their local WorkBC centre.

Funding for this project is provided through the Project-Based Labour Market Training stream of the CEP program. CEP investments are targeted at projects that support an inclusive economic recovery. CEP projects support B.C. job seekers' training and work experience and help businesses and communities address labour-market challenges. Through CEP, the province invests $15 million annually in communities throughout B.C.

This announcement is part of StrongerBC's Future Ready Plan. Future Ready is making education and training more accessible, affordable, and relevant to help businesses grow and prepare British Columbians for the jobs of tomorrow.

To learn how CEP is helping local communities, visit workbc.ca/Employment-Services/Community-and-Employer-Partnerships.aspx.

To find your local WorkBC centre, visit workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/WorkBC-Centres-Listing.aspx.