New partnership between national tech association and CyberNB to create cybersecurity framework for Canada
Mississauga, ON (May 29, 2019) – To address the skills shortage in cybersecurity in Canada, the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) and CyberNB have formed a partnership that will see the creation of a cybersecurity skills framework that will focus on accelerated learning and skills development, national occupational standards, and certification and program accreditation. Workforce development tools that will help provide information to both Canadian employers and students looking for cyber professionals and training will also be created.
The partnership was formed following the award of a three-year, $2 million Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) Sectoral Initiatives Program Grant to ITAC.
Currently, Canada relies on national occupational codes that are very narrow for the Canadian information, communication and technology (ICT) industry, and does not include emerging technology or associated professions. The goal of the partnership is to ensure that Canadian individuals or businesses, or anyone wanting to work in Canada, would have a clear and updated process that shows available jobs, and nationally recognized certifications for cybersecurity professionals available through training institutions across the country.
Other key initiatives of the partnership will include:
- A comprehensive review of the National Institute for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) skills framework; adjusting it to fit the Canadian marketplace; and to then encourage the national adoption and usage of a Canadian cybersecurity skills framework.
- The development of National Occupational Standards (NOS) with an intent to have these considered by Statistics Canada for inclusion in the National Occupational Codes (NOC).
- The creation of learning outcomes and competency standards for post-secondary educational institutions in areas related to the NOS.
- The development of related certification and accreditation standards and assessment processes and procedures.
- The development and implementation of a national outreach and marketing strategy to seek national adoption of the cybersecurity standards and labour mobility and workforce development tools.
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Canada is striving toward nationally adopted professional standards for the ICT sector – especially around cybersecurity. Partnering with CyberNB enables our two organizations …