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Vancouver Island Tech Companies Provide 'Doors Open' Experience for High School Students
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Vancouver Island tech companies provide 'doors open' experience for high school students
Doors Open to Technology (DOT) designed to spark interest in tech careers among youth
Victoria, BC, February 7, 2019--(T-Net)--Over 100 grade 10 to 12 students from high schools across Vancouver Island heard from some of the region's top tech entrepreneurs to gain a deeper understanding of opportunities ahead of them in the growing sector.
Doors Open to Technology (DOT), driven by industry leaders including Microsoft, exposed students to exciting career paths in B.C.'s fastest growing sector and provides a doors open experience of visiting the workspaces of some of the province's most innovative companies.
This week's event in Victoria casts light on the massive industry growth experienced on Vancouver Island while delivering the message that you can "work where you love to live."
According to VIATEC, Greater Victoria's technology sector employs 16,775 people and has a total economic impact of $5.22 billion. Mid-Island Business Initiative (MIBI) reports knowledge-based endeavors, including technology, make up 90% of companies in the region. Both regions forecast massive population and technology industry growth in the coming decades.
The event kicked off with an open door experience as students toured the office spaces of Limbic Media, Robazzo, VIATEC and Bambora, followed by a series of inspiring presentations and discussions at St. Ann's Academy in Victoria. Opening remarks were delivered by Minister of Jobs, Trade & Technology Bruce Ralston, and Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, who spoke to the immense growth and opportunity within B.C.'s technology sector, drawing attention to the shift to Vancouver Island-based jobs, as well as the growing number of people needed to fill these roles.
"B.C.'s tech sector holds incredible promise for young people looking to start a career, offering well-paid and engaging work," said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. "DOT helps students by giving them first-hand exposure to some of the innovative companies that are spurring economic growth on Vancouver Island and across the province."
Students heard from Microsoft and BC Hydro about the need for digital aptitude in future careers as they spoke to the digital transformation happening within and across industries, and especially in the region. A panel discussion on regional perspectives allowed students to learn from industry leaders who offered insight into their personal experience of working in Vancouver Island's tech sector.
"DOT is an exceptional opportunity to inspire some of tomorrow's young tech innovators and leaders by sharing our stories and perspectives with them," said Daniel Yona, FirstVoices Development Manager at FPCC. "We are excited to see them grow their skill sets and make a positive impact on our society using technology."
The day concluded with students participating in a design challenge, led by the League of Innovators, to activate the students' entrepreneurial spirit and gain experience pitching their ideas.
"Young people are our future. They are the innovators we are relying on to push the envelope in science, tech and the arts through exciting new apps, discoveries and building lifesaving medical software," said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. "We're moving the dial by connecting opportunities in the tech sector with young people, so they are equipped with 21st century tech training to get 21st century in-demand careers that will help build the best B.C."
Doors Open to Technology is created by Inventa and driven by industry commitment to build the tech talent in B.C. Event partners include the Government of British Columbia, Microsoft, BC Hydro, Bambora, VIATEC, Limbic Media, Robazzo, First Peoples' Cultural Council, Flytographer, Kano Apps, BC Tech Association, League of Innovators, Graphic Impressions and NATIONAL PR.
The technology industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in British Columbia, with over 83,400 tech-related job openings expected by 2027.
Doors Open to Technology events highlight the diversity of opportunities available in the growing technology sector in British Columbia. High school students who attend our events leave with new information, inspiration and experiences that help to shape their future career path. For more information and to learn about future events, visit www.doorsopentotechnology.com.
For more information, please contact:
Erika Borgerson
Account Director
Inventa
604.687.0544 x235