Reconciliation in Action - The IT Apprenticeship Program for Indigenous Peoples

There has been growing recognition of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the technical industry, and historically, Indigenous Peoples have been under-represented in this field. To bridge this gap, the Government of Canada (GC) introduced an innovative program - IT Apprenticeship Program for Indigenous Peoples.

Did You Know?

Traditional hiring practices pose barriers to employment for Indigenous peoples. Although Indigenous peoples represent nearly 5% of the available working population, they only make up roughly 3% of the IT workforce within GC. Indigenous women are even more under-represented.

A Transformative Initiative

The IT Apprenticeship Program for Indigenous Peoples places focus on an individual’s passion and potential over formal education credentials. This approach allows us to attract passionate and talented individuals into our digital workforce while contributing to closing the educational, employment, and economic gaps faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

This program is inclusive by design and acknowledges the value of the community while also taking into account the needs and preferences of Indigenous learners. It shows how "doing different" can have a big impact on people's lives on a personal, family, community, and regional level.

Moving Forward

The IT Apprenticeship Program for Indigenous Peoples was launched as a pilot program in the Innovation, Information Technology Branch (IITB) of ESDC in 2020. It was then expanded to become GC-wide program in 2022. We invite you to join us in this journey as we continue to expand our reach and impact.

For Recruiters

If you are a hiring manager, or staffing advisor who is responsible for hiring for the entry-level IT roles (i.e. IT-01 or equivalent), within ESDC or another GC Department, agency, or crown corporation, please reach out to the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at: EDSC.PATIPA.JUMELAGE.EMPLOIS-ITAPIP.JOB.MATCHING.ESDC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.