Information Technology Jobs in Our Land. Our Possibilities.
Information Technology Table of contents Introduction... 4 What is the information and communications technology industry?... 5 Will there be jobs in the information and. communications technology industry?... 5 What jobs will there be in the information and. communications technology industry?... 6 Networks... 6 Consulting... 6 Teaching... 7 Websites... 7 Analysts and programmers... 8 Multimedia... 8 Create your own job: start your own business!... 9 Working conditions... 10 Where to get training... 11 Nunavut Arctic College... 11 Southern colleges... 11 University programs... 11 On-the-job training... 11 Financial assistance... 12 How to apply for a job in the information and. communications technology sector...12 Career planning... 13
Introduction In Nunavut, the information and communications technology (ICT) industry has grown quickly. Businesses, government, and the general public rely on the services and skills that those in the information technology industry sector can provide. The increasing importance of information and communications technology services means that skilled workers are required. There is a growing demand for people who can design, build, install, service, and create information technology hardware (the equipment) and software (the applications). The ICT industry offers exciting career opportunities to suit many backgrounds and interests. If you are interested in computing, information and communications technology offers many career possibilities.
What is the information and communications technology industry? Information and communications technology (ICT) is concerned with the development, application and management of information and communication technology, especially in large organizations. Information communications and technology involves the use of computers and computer software to digitally store, create, organize and receive information. For example, the Government of Nunavut relies on ICT specialists who are trained and qualified to ensure that all information belonging to the Government of Nunavut is stored and accessible. Almost certainly you have used a personal computer, or one belonging to a family member or friend. Have you ever wondered how it works? For instance, have you ever been curious as to how the Internet can send information in seconds? If you have, then a position in the ICT sector might be of interest to you. The ICT sector is rapidly changing. This sector did not even exist as little as 20 years ago! Today, public, private, and non-profit organizations employ ICT professionals in Nunavut. Will there be jobs in the information and communications technology industry? Employers in the public sector (Government of Nunavut) and in the private sector (NorthwesTel, banks, or Internet service providers), search for talented individuals who are willing to work in the ICT sector. For example, some of the positions available include Desktop Support Technicians, Graphic Designers, or System Analysts. There are many more job opportunities to choose from. Remember: every employer in Nunavut uses technology in some way, which has resulted in an increased demand for ICT professionals. According to a recent report by the Conference Board of Canada, the country will need 90,000 information technology workers within the next five years. Every day, new information and communications technology is being created which means that skilled workers are in demand.
What jobs will there be in the information and communications technology industry? There are many types of jobs in the ICT industry and they require different levels of education, skills and experience. Whether you start in an entry-level position or a professional position, there will be opportunities for training and advancement throughout your career. Occupations in ICT are found in five general areas: Software (systems analysts, multimedia designers, sales and services) Hardware (systems analysts, computer sales and service, technicians) Computer-assisted (graphic designers, web developers, animators) Education and research (medicine and robotics) Support (information system consultants, help desk, trainers,. networking specialists) Networks Job Computer Networking Specialist, Computer Systems Technologist/ Technician, Network Security Specialist, Network Analyst, Communications Analyst Description Plans, controls and troubleshoots Local and Wide Area Networks (LANs and WANs). Also solves user problems Consulting Job Chief Information Officer, Information Systems Consultant, Consultant, Informatics Consultancy, IT Consultant Description Provides advice through years of experience and expertise in specific field. Usually hired for different projects that need to be completed
Teaching Job Applications Trainer, Career and Technology Studies Teacher, College Instructors, Computer Training Instructor Description Trains less experienced clients, staff, and other users Websites Job Web Application Developer/ Designer, Webmaster, Site Programmer, Website Designer Description Creates web pages for the World Wide Web and for internal networks. Responsible for design, development, maintenance and success of websites
Analysts and programmers Job Computer Programmer Systems Analyst, Computer Analyst, Computer Consultant, Applications Analyst Computer Systems Database Developer/Analyst Business Systems Analyst Description Create, modifies and tests the forms, scripts and code that tell computers what to do Uses knowledge and skills to solve computer problems and ensure that computer technology meets the needs of an organization Designs, develops, modifies and maintains database systems to meet client needs Identifies the business needs of clients and other businesses involved to help determine solutions to business problems. Must understand and define the requirements for ICT systems Multimedia Job Multimedia Developer, Multimedia Designer, Multimedia Specialist Description Works with media and draws on the skills of the computer programmer and visual artist to integrate graphics, text, audio and video
Create your own job: start your own business! If you want to take advantage of more opportunities in the information. and communications technology sector, consider starting your own business. To get more information, contact the Canada-Nunavut Business Service Centre office closest to you. Currently, there are three locations to choose from: Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay. You will find the tools you need to start your own business at the following website: www.canadabusiness.ca/nunavut. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada offers young, Inuit entrepreneurs support to start your own business. You must meet specific criteria to be considered. for this program. If you meet the criteria, this program will help you establish your business, develop management skills, and identify sources of funding. for your business. Check out the following website for more information:. www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/index-eng.asp and click on the Aboriginal Business Canada link.
Working conditions Hours. Many jobs in the ICT sector are Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. In some cases, you may be required to work longer hours to meet deadlines. Environment. Depending on your job, you may deal with stressful situations. Overall, the working conditions are flexible. ICT professionals often work in teams. Wages. Wages are competitive in this field. To be successful in the information and communications technology field, you must have an interest in computers and enjoy math and science. Problem solving and technical skills are also important if you choose to pursue a career in this area. Because information systems are always changing, you must enjoy learning and have a desire to continue training where required. 10
Where to get training Nunavut Arctic College Nunavut Arctic College offers a two-year Information Technology Diploma Program. Graduates of this program will have solid knowledge and practical skills you need to work in the ICT sector. Go to the following website. www.nac.nu.ca then follow the link to search the Nunavut Arctic College course calendar. All programs and course descriptions are available here. Southern colleges Many colleges in southern Canada offer courses and programs that can lead to information and communication technology jobs. Some examples include: Computer Systems Technology, Computer Network Technician, Computer Systems and Electronic Technologist and Computer Network Administrator. The list goes on! University programs You need a university degree if you are determined to pursue a career and become a professional in information and communications technology. Many Canadian universities offer professional programs of study including: Applied Information Systems Technology, Computer Engineering and Computing Science and Software Engineering. There are so many more opportunities available. Contact your regional Career Development Centre for more information, or do a basic search on the Internet to look at university course calendars which lists all programs with course descriptions. On-the-job training Some information and communications technology businesses offer on-the-job training programs with hands-on work experience while completing academic courses. Talk to a Career Development Officer at your local Career Centre for more information. 11
Financial assistance The Nunavut Student Financial Assistance Program is available if you require financial help during your studies. To see if you qualify, contact: FANS (Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students) Nunavut Department of Education PO Box 390 Arviat, NU X0C 0E0 Telephone: (867) 857-3085 Toll-free line: 1-877-860-0680 fans@gov.nu.ca How to apply for a job in the information and communications technology sector To apply for a job, send your résumé and a cover letter to the Government of Nunavut and to all of the companies where you would like to work. Your regional Career Centre can help you write your résumé and cover letter. Remember! Some companies post electronic applications online. If you want to be considered for any position, make sure you fill out the application if it is posted on the company s web page. If you are interested in a career in the ICT sector, read various job postings to get an idea of some of the job skills and responsibilities for different positions. Check out the Government of Nunavut website at www.gov.nu.ca to find employment opportunities in the information and communications technology sector. 12
Career Planning Take control of your career and future Career planning starts in your youth and continues throughout adulthood where you decide what training and education you want. In order to be successful in your career, you need to find the best fit between your interests, skills, and values. Planning today will help you find a job that you truly love doing in the future. Your regional Career Centre can help you find career training and employment information, write résumés, apply for jobs, and prepare for a job interview. Take the first step of your career by contacting a Career Centre to learn about all the possibilities that await you. 13
Nunavut Apprenticeship Contacts Career Development Officers Qikiqtaaluk (Baffin) region (800) 567-1514 Kivalliq region (800) 953-8516 Kitikmeot region (800) 953-8516. Iqaluit (867) 975-6573 Supervisor of Apprenticeship (867) 975-5658 Registrar of Apprenticeship (867) 857-3079 Skills Canada Nunavut P.O. Box 1000, Stn. 940. Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0 ( (867) 975-6574. 7 (867) 975-6572. www.skillsnunavut.ca 14