(file photo/CKOM News Staff)

Indigenous software company aims to create jobs in Prince Albert

Jan 25, 2023 | 1:53 PM

An Indigenous software company is planning to bring new tech-sector jobs to Prince Albert.

PLATO, Canada’s only Indigenous software testing and technology services company, said it’s currently recruiting in Prince Albert for its Indigenous Software Tester Training Program. It’s expected to create more than 25 new jobs in the area for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit applicants.

The program, PLATO said, involves five months of in-class training, followed by a three-month paid internship.

“Following the eight months of training, successful graduates are guaranteed a full-time, well-paying job with PLATO,” the company said in a statement.

Applications will be accepted until March 31, the company said, with training to start in Prince Albert on April 10.

Keith McIntosh, founder and CEO of PLATO, said the technology sector allows for remote training and work, which means young Indigenous people aren’t required to leave their communities.

“We’ve successfully delivered training and created good-paying jobs in larger centres like Calgary and Vancouver and in smaller communities like Fredericton and Sault Ste. Marie,” McIntosh said in a statement.

Since 2015, PLATO said it has trained more than 270 Indigenous students and delivered 26 courses across Canada.

The company operates from 11 centres, where it provides software testing and technology services to clients around the globe, PLATO said.

“The company’s approach is to deliver training and open offices in and around Indigenous communities, reducing geographical barriers for Indigenous people to obtain careers in the technology sector,” the company added.

More information on the training program can be found online.

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