Soldiers in Tech expands to boost veterans’ technology careers

The Roland Gossage Foundation has expanded its Soldiers in Tech initiative with a series of new academic and industry partnerships. The programme, funded by the Ontario Skills Development Fund, aims to help veterans and their families move into technology careers by offering fully-funded, flexible training and support across Ontario.

Technology pathways

Soldiers in Tech provides training in fields such as cybersecurity, web development and data science. The refreshed programme includes collaboration with WatSPEED at the University of Waterloo and ComIT. Participants gain access to instructor-led education, mentorship, and connections to employers in Ontario's technology sector.

WatSPEED delivers boot camps in cybersecurity and full stack web development. The cybersecurity boot camp prepares learners for the CompTIA Security+ certification, covering key security concepts. The web development course includes hands-on projects and covers artificial intelligence coding, with a focus on skills relevant to current market needs.

"With Soldiers in Tech, we're building a stronger, more sustainable model for veteran training and career development in technology," said Roland Gossage, Founder, Roland Gossage Foundation. "Our new partnerships with institutions like WatSPEED at the University of Waterloo, ComIT, Fast Forward Coaching, and Wilder Path Coaching ensure that every participant-whether they're reskilling, upskilling, or re-entering the workforce-has access to flexible, high-quality pathways that lead to real jobs, which will help fuel Ontario's innovation economy."

Reskilling structure

ComIT, a non-profit organisation, designs and delivers two-phase programmes. The first phase is an introductory programming course lasting one month and delivered online, teaching coding basics such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. The second phase is a three-month intensive on artificial intelligence and machine learning using modern cloud technologies including Google Cloud and Vertex AI.

All programmes, whether delivered by WatSPEED or ComIT, are project-based and online, with certificates or digital badges awarded to confirm the skills learned. Courses are designed for various learner profiles, accommodating those new to technology as well as mid-career professionals seeking a full shift into technology roles.

Comprehensive support

Additional support comes from Wilder Path Coaching, which offers coaching focused on early career exploration and tailored interventions for participants in shorter programmes. Fast Forward Coaching provides dedicated workshops and ongoing support for those enrolled in the full suite of services, aiming to ensure individual needs are matched with available resources and career opportunities.

Eligibility details

The Soldiers in Tech programme accepts applications from Canadian Armed Forces veterans, reservists with at least three years of service, and spouses of active duty members, veterans and reservists. To participate, applicants must be based in Ontario. The programme receives partial funding from Employment Ontario, supported by both the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Industry readiness

"Our new partnerships with institutions like WatSPEED at the University of Waterloo, ComIT, Fast Forward Coaching, and Wilder Path Coaching ensure that every participant-whether they're reskilling, upskilling, or re-entering the workforce-has access to flexible, high-quality pathways that lead to real jobs, which will help fuel Ontario's innovation economy," said Gossage