Partnership opens doors in science and technology for Indigenous students in Cape Breton
The beginning of what should be a fruitful relationship started in Cape Breton on Tuesday.
It's between Indigenous students who need employment opportunities and the science and tech sector which needs a qualified workforce.
With a few signatures on the dotted line, a partnership was formed -- one that's expected to open windows of opportunity for First Nations students in science, technology, engineering and math.
"It's kinda nice to see, because not a lot of people here in this community succeed," said student Kaisa'n Stevens.
The program was launched at Allison Bernard Memorial High School in Eskasoni and it's called "U'namaki P-Tech," or – "Pathways to Technology."
Stevens is a Grade 11 student who has been taking some tech courses already. Now he's considering a career in the sector.
"I didn't think too much about this P-Tech program," Stevens said. "I just heard about it, and I was like 'Whatever, I'll sign up for it.' I didn't know it came with (so many) benefits."
One of those benefits students enjoyed on Tuesday was a visit from the president of IBM Canada, Claude Guay.
Guay said the program is designed "to address some challenges that we have in this country."
Guay says the challenges companies like his are facing is two-fold: A skills shortage in the industry, in general and an under-representation of the country's Indigenous population.
Guay told the students gathered in the gym that he'd like to one day hire some of them.
"When they graduate, they will be first in line for an interview with IBM," Guay said. "But actually, before they even graduate, they will have paid internship for IBM."
Newell Johnson has been the school's principal for 23 years.
"I was proud," Johnson said. "I was so proud of the students."
She says plain and simply, chances like this didn't happen in the past.
"To have these kinds of opportunities, I think we're doing something wonderful, something amazing, for our future students and for our future kids and generations," Johnson said.
While the program was launched today here in Eskasoni, it's being made available to students in Indigenous communities all over Cape Breton Island.
Stevens thinks there's some untapped talent in his community for this line of work and, as for his own future, the possibilities are wide open.
"I'm really interested in engineering and anything to do with physics," Stevens said. "So maybe something in nuclear engineering or biomedical would be a really cool career path, maybe, to choose."
A win-win amid hopes some of these youth might be making plenty of money one day in a fast-growing industry.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.