TMU partners with Government of Guyana to upskill workers in tech

On May 13, 2024, TMU will welcome the first cohort of Guyanese students to the Full Stack Developer program offered by The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education. As part of the Guyanese government's 'One Guyana Digital' initiative, 2,000 students will complete the online certificate program over two years, to gain the technical skills and practical experience needed to excel as web and software developers.

The partnership with TMU aims to advance Guyana's goal of positioning itself as a global digital services hub and building a domestic outsourcing/near-sourcing industry. Through a collaboration with Riavera Corporation (external link) , TMU was contracted to provide Guyanese citizens with training and job skills that support economic growth. After completing the full stack developer program, learners will have access to job opportunities in the technology sector that are outsourced to Guyana.

"TMU's partnership with Guyana will have a significant impact on the country's economy and society. As a university committed to fostering innovation and transformative change, we are thrilled to support Guyanese learners in meeting the demands of the global tech industry," said Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, TMU's provost and vice-president, academic.

Training for in-demand skills

Students in the certificate program will take four courses covering end-to-end development: full stack developer, python programming, design for mobile devices and user experience design.

"The program focuses on system development and data analytics," said Mihal Miu, contract lecturer at The Chang School who helped design the full stack developer program. "The four courses included in the certificate cover the tools, programming languages and applications that are most in demand when an individual is being hired for a full stack developer role. We know this through consultations with employers across all industry verticals."

The courses will offer hands-on, practical experience to students, making sure they are career-ready upon completion of the program. Virtual mentorship and peer support will also be available for them to seek advice on full stack course assignments, final projects and career opportunities. Students will have full access to all the resources and supports offered by TMU, such as the library and student counseling services.

The 2,000 learners who will attend the certificate program were selected by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development in Guyana according to the government's diversity targets for race, region and gender. Fifty per cent of the available spots were reserved for women, 25 per cent for Indigenous Guyanese people and the remaining cohort is proportionally represented by the 10 administrative regions of Guyana.

"The Chang School's highest priority is to respond to the needs of continuous learners both across Canada and internationally," said Linda Koechli, interim dean of The Chang School. "It's a privilege to help Guyanese students strengthen their skills and knowledge in an in-demand area that is directly applicable to the global job market. Through helping them reach their career goals, we are confident that this partnership will make a difference in people's lives."

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