Jump-Starting Digital Careers (JDC)

Curriculum-based learning pathways for digital careers for youth.

To succeed in the digital age, it is essential for students to develop digital skills that will prepare them for higher education and the workforce. Investing in these skills at an early age is critical for Canada's economic future. To support this effort, in collaboration with educators and industry professionals, ICTC's Jump-Starting Digital Careers (JDC) program offers learning pathways for K-12 students to prepare for rewarding careers in the digital. By providing students with the necessary skills and experience, the JDC program is helping to ensure that Canada's future workforce is equipped to thrive in a digital world.
 
The JDC program offers a range of educational programs that align with the provincial curriculum for primary and secondary school students. In addition to academic subjects, the JDC program also provides opportunities for students to explore careers in the technology sector. These opportunities include integrated digital skills education, hands-on learning experiences both in and outside the classroom, and exposure to various technology career paths. By offering this comprehensive range of resources and experiences, the JDC program is preparing the next generation for success in a digitally-driven world.

JDC offers:
 

- Cybersecurity Fundamentals eLearning Course

The Cybersecurity Fundamentals eLearning Course provides a foundational understanding of digital identity and internet safety, focusing on developing core cybersecurity skills. It also explores the various professions in cybersecurity.
 
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- Focus on IT (Grades 9-12)

Focus on IT (FIT) is a nationally-recognized certificate program that provides secondary school students with valuable course pathways that foster ICT and digital skills development. The program requires a two to three year commitment. After graduation, students are encouraged to pursue industry work experiences (i.e., co-ops) and additional learning opportunities.

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- Middle Years Focus on IT (Grades 6-9)

Middle Years Focus on IT (MyFIT) is a nationally-recognized program that provides middle school students with valuable ICT and digital skills development. This practical, hands-on experience for students promotes innovative and strategic thinking, and can create a learning pathway into a secondary school delivering the FIT program.

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- Student Learning CyberDays

Student Learning Days provides opportunities for middle and secondary school students to develop digital skills they will need for their future professional lives. Students participate in a full or half day of experiential learning activities geared toward information and communications technology (ICT) themes, such as Cybersecurity and Digital Citizenship.

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- Digital Literacy & Skills Roadmap


- CyberTitan Competition

CyberTitan is a National Youth Cyber Education Program with an annual Cyber Defense Competition in the spring of each year. The competition puts teams of secondary school and middle school students in the position of newly hired IT professionals responsible for managing the network of a small company.

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