TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Lighthouse Labs is excited to announce that its Cyber Security Bootcamp funded by Upskill Canada (powered by Palette Skills) and the Government of Canada now offers paid internships supported by Riipen, the leading experiential learning platform. The specialized program, ICT Ignite Cyber, will significantly increase employability and provide fulfilling job opportunities for prospective workers in the rapidly evolving digital industry.
Canada’s cybersecurity sector is growing rapidly but faces a shortage of skilled workers. According to a report from Palette Skills and Deloitte, businesses must provide hands-on experience and work-integrated opportunities to overcome barriers to skill development and drive interest in the sector. ICT Ignite Cyber offers participants hands-on experiences through real-world, work-based projects powered by Riipen. These 60-hour paid internship projects are designed to be completed within two to four weeks, providing learners with practical experience that aligns with the Lighthouse Labs Cybersecurity Bootcamp curriculum. Eligible students will work in teams of five to complete these projects and will receive a $1,400 stipend upon successful completion, paid by Riipen.
“In today’s dynamic and competitive job market, work experience is more critical than ever before. To truly prepare our learners, it is essential that they gain real-world experience through job-ready, work-integrated learning,” said Jeremy Shaki, CEO of Lighthouse Labs. “We’re thrilled to partner with Riipen on the ICT Ignite Cyber program, which offers an invaluable opportunity for the next generation of tech talent to network with employers and gain valuable workplace experience, helping them transition smoothly into their careers.”
Program Benefits:
- Network with employers: Participants can engage directly with employers through meaningful project collaborations, kickstarting their professional network
- Gain experience and career clarity: Participants will gain valuable cybersecurity workplace experience, enhancing their understanding of the industry and career prospects
- Create a virtual portfolio: Participants will receive employer feedback on the skills and knowledge demonstrated during their project, and can easily link their Riipen portfolio to job applications and their LinkedIn profile
- Connect with long-term employment opportunities: ICT Ignite Cyber opens pathways to stable and rewarding positions by connecting participants with employers actively seeking long-term hires
- Work from anywhere: All projects can be completed 100% remotely, utilizing integrations with Google Meet and Zoom for seamless online collaboration
Program Impact:
- 91% of participants reported that the employer project provided valuable work experience in their career journey
- 84% of student participants saw a direct ability to achieve their career goals due to their employer internship project
- 87% of employers said they would consider hiring participants who worked with them on their project
"We're thrilled to partner with Lighthouse Labs on the ICT Ignite Cyber program, harnessing their leadership in cybersecurity education,” said Dana Stephenson, Co-Founder and CEO of Riipen. “In today's digital age, hands-on experience is paramount, and together with Lighthouse Labs' expertise, we're paving the way for aspiring tech talent. Their human-centric approach to learning, coupled with Riipen's expertise, empowers students with real-world skills and connections. Through paid internships and innovative projects, we're revolutionizing tech talent preparation and shaping the future of cybersecurity."
ICT Ignite Cyber is running until March 31, 2025. For more information, please visit: http://www.lighthouselabs.ca/en/upskill-canada.
About Lighthouse Labs
Lighthouse Labs is a leading tech education company that empowers individuals to transform their lives through hard work and dedication. With a supportive and collaborative environment, Lighthouse Labs is committed to actively addressing the digital skills gap and ensuring that technological change is an opportunity for all through the support of equity-deserving groups. In its 10th year, the company has equipped over 40,000 students with the competencies, skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation and change, with full-time and part-time programs in cyber security, data science, data analytics, web development and more. Through a human and purpose-driven approach to learning and a team of passionate, expert instructors and mentors, Lighthouse Labs unlocks and nurtures each student’s potential to help launch their bright and prosperous futures. For more information about its programs, please visit www.lighthouselabs.com.
About Riipen
Riipen is the world’s leading online work-based learning platform and ecosystem, aiming to end underemployment and close the skills gap. Riipen partners with governments, colleges, universities, and educators to provide inclusive access to high-quality, high-impact work-integrated learning that provides learners with experience and industry connections, as well as career clarity to find meaningful careers. Riipen has successfully and proudly implemented 13.3 million hours of learning hours for over 217,000 learners with more than 35,000 employers and 640+ academic partnerships, portals, and training providers in 9 countries, in both English and French.
