NEWS RELEASE: Canada Learning Code and BrainStation launch new tech skills bootcamp at a community forum in Thunder Bay

Canada Learning Code and BrainStation launch new tech skills bootcamp at a community forum in Thunder Bay

For Immediate Release

THUNDER BAY, ON – Canada Learning Code and BrainStation have launched a career-changing upskilling program in Thunder Bay. Today, local leaders and community members gathered at the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre to kick off Code to Career, a national training initiative that provides access to subsidized BrainStation software engineering bootcamps with a focus on supporting people from communities typically underrepresented in tech.

The gathering of local community builders, current and aspiring tech professionals, and elected representatives shone a spotlight on the dynamic intersection of tech growth and diversity in Northwestern Ontario. The event was an opportunity for attendees to learn about the program and how it can contribute to  the local tech ecosystem.

“We’re excited to be working together to build a connected, supportive, and inclusive local tech economy,” said Melissa Sariffodeen, CEO, Canada Learning Code. “Thunder Bay is well-positioned to succeed in Canada’s growing tech industry. This program will give underrepresented groups in tech in this region a chance to level up their careers and help to build the local economy.”

The event included a panel discussion examining the program as well as the role, impact, and opportunity that tech growth has in the city. The discussion featured Jeff Coull, Executive Director of the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre, Charmaine McCraw, Manager of Indigenous Engagement and Training at ORIGIN, Romy Marlo, CEO & Founder of The Uncommon Woman, Dr. Richard Togman, CEO of the Thunder Bay Public Library, and Canada Learning Code’s Director of Programs, Charlotte Nurse. 

About Code To Career

The Code to Career initiative is grounded in the understanding that a more just and equitable future for technology in Canada means building programming that supports, empowers, and equips all learners who historically have been—and continue to be—underrepresented in tech. 

Students who graduate from the program will be prepared for, and supported on their career journey as they seek entry-level Software Engineering roles which may include, Front-end Developer, Back-end Developer, Full-stack Developer, and Software Engineer.

The program is powered by Canada Learning Code and BrainStation, and funded by Upskill Canada [powered by Palette Skills] and the Government of Canada. Code to Career aims to train 800 people in Canada through Software Engineering Bootcamps.

For complete program information visit codetocareer.ca

About Canada Learning Code
Canada Learning Code is Canada’s leading national charity championing digital literacy education for all. Canada Learning Code brings accessible computer science to communities around the country by partnering with educators, designing resources and delivering learning experiences, so everyone can create with technology. Learn more at canadalearningcode.ca

About BrainStation
BrainStation is the global leader in technology skills training and workforce transformation, with award-winning bootcamps, certificate courses, corporate training, industry-leading events, and more, both online and at state-of-the-art campuses in cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, New York, London, and Miami. Founded in 2012, BrainStation works with over 500 industry leaders from the most innovative companies, developing cutting-edge digital education that has empowered tens of thousands of professionals and some of the largest corporations in the world, including Amazon, Tesla, Microsoft, Google, Johnson & Johnson, Shopify and many more. Learn more at brainstation.io

Contacts
Canada Learning Code
Pati Pazos, Director, Marketing and Communications
press@canadalearningcode.ca

BrainStation
Matt Odynski, Director, Brand
press@brainstation.io