Formed in 2007 as an initiative of Bell Canada, the Canadian Coalition for Tomorrow’s ICT Skills aims to increase public awareness about information and communications technologies, especially among potential employees, in order to foster a strong 21st century workforce. To accomplish this mission, we apply determination, a strategic plan, and leadership from the private sector, public sector, and educators.

The ICT workforce comes from three sources:

• Retraining and continuing education of existing employees
• Immigration of professionals from other countries
• Student enrolments in ICT-related programs at postsecondary institutions

Because 83% of Canada’s workforce entrants come from the education system, the CCICT’s primary focus is on increasing enrolments in postsecondary ICT-related programs that lead to today’s in-demand 21st century careers.

1. Increase enrolments and graduations in priority ICT-related post-secondary programs.
2. Increase the share of female enrolments and graduations.
3. Better align the curricula and activities of specialized post-secondary ICT-related programs to ensure that their graduates are ready to meet employer needs.
4. Improve the competencies of employers to hire, develop, retain and motivate IT professionals.

1. Implement a major national campaign among high school students and influencers about the nature and attractiveness of 21st century IT career paths, as well as the educational pathways to these careers. We will provide distinctive messaging for young women and students with various interests.
2. Lead in the formation of a nationally branded, widely recognized professional business/IT undergraduate degree program.
3. Develop a national online marketplace for specialized and multidisciplinary IT-related programs that meets the needs of career choosers, employers, educators, and government policy makers.
4. Foster greatly increased employer participation in the design, delivery and workforce entry activities of priority post-secondary IT-related education programs.
5. Launch an executive peer program to improve the career value proposition for IT professionals in member/client/end user organizations.