How TECHNATION and Kyndryl are Shaping the Future of Work-Integrated Learning Together
TECHNATION has joined forces with Kyndryl Canada, a TECHNATION member and global leader in IT infrastructure services, to launch a unique Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program. This initiative is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge for success focused on key high-growth technology industries, including AI and cybersecurity.
Partnership
TECHNATION’s Career Ready Program is a leading innovator in WIL experiences, dedicated to supporting the transition from education and employment. Kyndryl shares TECHNATION’s commitment to fostering the next generation of talent and creating a more inclusive tech workforce by offering meaningful work placements for students. The partnership is driven by a shared vision of promoting Corporate Social Responsibility and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The TECHNATION-Kyndryl Innovative WIL Program aims to nurture future leaders equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities in the tech space.
“We were thrilled to announce this innovative partnership with one of our own TECHNATION members,” said Brett Hotas, Executive Director of Future Workforce Development Strategy at TECHNATION. “By combining our resources, we are enhancing the talent pipeline and bringing folks into these spaces who might not have otherwise had the opportunity, as well as driving forward innovation and competitiveness in critical sectors. This collaboration empowers youth to gain hands-on experience, develop cutting-edge skills, and ensures they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the future workforce.”
Program Highlights
As part of the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), TECHNATION’s Career Ready Program provides wage subsidies to businesses to support the hiring of students for work-term placements. This enables companies like Kyndryl to hire talent cost-effectively and responsibly, while providing students with valuable real-world experience.
The TECHNATION-Kyndryl Innovative WIL Program goes above and beyond a wage subsidy to provide students with comprehensive learning experiences to set them up for success. At the core of the program lies industry mentorship from Kyndryl professionals. These experienced mentors offer ongoing guidance and support, helping students navigate projects, develop their skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the industry.
The students and their supervisors benefit from educational webinars and workshops offered by TECHNATION. Students also receive access to TECHNATION’s LaunchPad e-learning platform, a comprehensive suite of resources that offers industry-specific training modules and career development tools. LaunchPad is complemented by TECHNATION’s CareerFinder, an AI-driven platform with a suite of tools to help students explore career paths that match their interests and skills.
The program offers a unique advantage for students compared to a standard work placement, as some students can continue working for three consecutive terms. This extended duration provides a deeper understanding of the industry and allows them to hone their skills further. Meanwhile, Kyndryl gains access to a pool of highly motivated talent with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. This benefits current projects and also helps identify potential future hires who are already familiar with the organization’s work culture and approach.
“Kyndryl Canada is very proud of our interns and the program we have established,” said Sukhvinder Auluck, Director – Enterprise Canada Industry Partner & Post-Secondary Student Programs at Kyndryl. “We firmly believe that providing real life experiences and responsibilities is the best way for any student to learn. Having a partner like TECHNATION has made our program possible and successful.”
In Spring 2024, the program welcomed its largest cohort yet, with 29 students from diverse backgrounds spanning Machine Learning, AI, Project Management, Finance, Consulting, and Business Operations. Many of these students belong to underrepresented groups in the tech industry, aligning with the program’s mission to create career pathways in high-growth industries.
Student Experiences
The program’s impact is best reflected in the experiences of the student participants. Erin Lam, a Software Engineering and Computer Science student at the University of Toronto, has been a Business Engineering Intern at Kyndryl since Spring 2023. She shared, “Working with Kyndryl has opened numerous doors for me, leading me to garner experiences I had thought were unreachable in the past. Having been able to work in a small team on a project that not only benefited Kyndryl employees but also received global recognition, I have nothing but gratitude and admiration for those who have helped me along this journey.”
Amay Bhumak, a second-year intern with Kyndryl and student at Toronto Metropolitan University, shares the sentiment. “I have learned things that align perfectly with my career goals and two years later, I am still learning new things every day. Even as an intern you are treated as a full-time employee, the work is challenging and rewarding, and the pay and recognition match that. I look forward to continuing my journey at Kyndryl.”
Future Expansion
The TECHNATION-Kyndryl partnership, now in its third term, continues to grow in popularity. Plans for expansion outside of Ontario to other provinces, such as New Brunswick, are underway, creating more opportunities for students in the tech industry.
For more information about the TECHNATION-Kyndryl Innovative WIL program, or to get involved, visit:
