Toronto, Ontario – Humber College will begin offering Autism CanTech! (ACT!), a new program designed by NorQuest College, to empower autistic youth to gain long-term, meaningful employment in the digital workforce and help employers create inclusive workplaces.
ACT! is a Canada-wide project funded through the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy. The program is offered by Humber College, NorQuest College in Edmonton and Douglas College in New Westminster, British Columbia.
“We are proud to collaborate with post-secondary partners across the country to help provide training and opportunity for youth with autism looking to establish a digital career,” said Chris Whitaker, president and CEO, Humber College. “This program will also help provide businesses with increased access to potential employees who might otherwise have been underrepresented in their workforces.”
During the six-month program, young adults with autism between the ages of 18 to 30 will learn how to perform data processing for various businesses in the digital economy, including those in education, finance, government, software, and healthcare sectors.
This new pathway program will provide youth with autism the training to participate in the digital economy and contribute their skills to the current workforce and fill in-demand positions.
“Employers across the country are looking to hire youth that can bring added value to their workplace. More than ever, we need to support young Canadians’ professional development and provide them with inclusive work environments in their communities,” said the Honourable Marci Ien, P.C., M.P., Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth. “The Autism CanTech! program sets up youth on the autism spectrum for success by leveraging their skills in a world driven by technology. Every young Canadian has the right to blaze their own trail – we simply need to give them the right tools.”
As part of the program, students will participate in a two-month paid work placement. Employers will be trained in inclusivity practices and cultural tools to support participants. Participants will maintain additional government support while in the program.
“Autistic youth have much to contribute to the digital economy,” says Carolyn Campbell, president and CEO, NorQuest College. “But, despite their interest and abilities, they are often excluded from full participation. We’re so proud to work with partners from across Canada on the Autism CanTech! program and help create pathways for graduates to contribute to the workforce, on their own terms.”
ACT! will run at Humber College from April 18, 2022, to October 7, 2022. It will be delivered both in-person and virtually.
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About NorQuest College
NorQuest College is the Edmonton region’s community college serving 21,162 learners. This translates to 12,112 full-time and part-time credit students, and 9,050 non-credit or continuing education students, including assessment examinations. Norquest College helps learners with diverse educational backgrounds complete or further their studies through foundational and continuing education programs. Our post-secondary diploma and certificate programs offer career paths in health, community studies, and business. By collaborating with business, industry, government and communities, we ensure our post-secondary education is necessary and workforce relevant.
About Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Humber College is focused on our students' future. As a global leader in polytechnic education, Humber students receive in-depth theoretical learning and hands-on experience with applied research and extensive industry connections. Humber provides career-focused education to more than 38,000 full-time and 19,000 part-time students and professional learners in-person at three main Toronto locations and online. A comprehensive range of credentials, including honours undergraduate degrees, Ontario graduate certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships and certificates, prepare career-ready global citizens to move seamlessly from education to employment. More than 86 per cent of Humber graduates are employed within six months of completing their studies. Visit humber.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Humber College - Media Relations
416.675.5095
mediarelations@humber.ca