To kick off September, NPower Canada held our national graduation ceremony on the 1st, celebrating over 600 graduates from across Canada.
In May, a new cohort of Canadian job seekers enrolled in one of NPower Canada’s challenging programs. Over three months, participants in our Junior IT Analyst, Junior Data Analyst, Junior Security and Quality Assurance, and UX Design programs learned new tech skills, obtained industry-recognized certifications, and developed professionally. As they wrapped up their final week of the program and looked ahead to their promising futures in tech, we commemorated their hard work through a virtual graduation ceremony.
Our CEO Julia Blackburn opened the ceremony by noting that recently, on August 15th, NPower Canada celebrated its eight year anniversary. Since then, we have helped over 4,100 youth and adults across Canada get the training needed to launch a career in tech. Julia thanked the NPower Canada team, board of directors, employers, funders and community partners who have made it possible for us to scale tremendously over the past eight years.
Each Regional Director gave an overview of the success achieved in British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Ontario respectively over the past three months. One graduate from each province was asked to share a few words, and here are some of the highlights of their speeches:
“I am on a new journey as a developer, and I am not alone. I have my family, friends, mentor, and NPower Canada to guide me along my way. I look forward to helping somebody else in the future take the first step on their journey, like NPower Canada was there for me, because everyone deserves a chance to make a meaningful change in their life.” – Alpha V., Junior Data Analyst, British Columbia
“I would extend my gratitude to all my instructors and coordinators for being there whenever we needed them. We were given equal opportunities to express and present our ideas. They molded us to become what we are today. We may have been with them only a short span, but they have led to a significant positive difference in our development both personally and professionally.” – Denis S., Junior Data Analyst, Alberta
“Before I started with NPower Canada, I felt stagnant in my career and in my life in general. I was confused as to what to do next and so I just got comfortable with the minimum. I doubted myself so much that when the opportunity to enroll in NPower Canada came, I was sure I was going to give up halfway – which I almost did, but with the help and encouragement from not just the facilitators but my peers, I kept going. NPower Canada helps you overcome your fears, break barriers, and build your belief in yourself.” – Sheila U., Junior IT Analyst, Nova Scotia
“Before NPower Canada, I was suffering from an intense fear of failure. I stopped applying for jobs anywhere for the fear of being rejected. I didn’t believe in my potential. Through the program, I started to believe in myself and decided to change my current situation. Things have changed now; I have been receiving so many interview calls and responses.” – Kamrul MD., Junior Security and Quality Assurance, Ontario
During the ceremony, participants also heard congratulations and encouraging words from Mamta Sethi, VP of Global Technology Strategy from Manulife, who awarded the Emerging Leader Award to one deserving participant, Enis C., the Honourable Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills, and Immigration with the Government of Nova Scotia, and Christina Fung, Senior Vice President Consulting Services and Julie Moreau, Vice President, Human Resources, from CGI, who accepted our Employer Excellence Award.
We were able to share a video that looked back at the wonderful class activities and corporate engagement events, and share that 90% of our graduates had earned at least one industry-recognized certification, and over 100 had already secured employment, before officially graduating. We are incredibly proud of this cohort’s achievements and look forward to supporting them in the next stage of their career development.
