University program addresses digital skills gap

A university degree program that’s billed as the first of its kind in Canada is being branded an early success, allowing students to earn while they learn while supporting the talent pipeline of participating organizations.

“The commitment from all participating employers to extend their students’ contracts for a second year underscores the immense benefits of our fully work-integrated degree model,” York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering Dean Jane Goodyer says of the Digital Technologies BASc program.

Students in the program, which launched in September 2023, spend about 80 per cent of their time gaining hands-on experience in paid work placements. The remainder of their time is dedicated to academic studies, including half a day of independent study once a week and six five-day block periods per year at York University’s new Markham Campus.

That approach ensures learners not only develop technical skills but also the professional competencies needed for success, York University reports. Employers report high satisfaction and increased productivity, citing the benefits of continuous student involvement compared to traditional short-term student placements, it adds.

The program is supported by such organizations as Alstom, BMO, Dayforce, Quanser and Shopify. It recently welcomed IBM. “Their involvement will bring additional expertise and resources, enriching the learning experience for our students and fostering a highly skilled and diverse tech workforce,” says Goodyer.

Employers receive $5,000 to $7,000 in funding per term through the Student Work Placement Program, and students earn an average of $23 per hour. By reducing financial barriers, the program has increased degree access for non-traditional and underrepresented learners. According to the university, more than 40 per cent of its first cohort are women, compared to the 16 per cent typically seen in traditional computer science programs.

Visit the university’s website to learn more about the program.

Photo: Students and faculty in York University’s Digital Technologies program gather around Lassonde School of Engineering Dean Jane Goodyer to mark the program’s first year. Photo courtesy of York University/Lassonde School of Engineering.