The Information Technology Support Associate Program: Keeping IT’s Human Resources Pool Filled

This case study looks at the impacts and benefits of the Software Human Resource Council’s Information Technology Support Associate (ITSA) program on learners, education systems and businesses in Canada. It also identifies the many challenges that Sector Councils may face when collaborating with education systems. Finally, it considers the Keys to Success of the ITSA program as a model of perseverance, adaptation, collaboration and transition.

The ITSA program offers students the opportunity to engage in hands-on, experiential IT learning, and allows them to make meaningful connections between what they are learning and how it might apply to their future studies or work. As a result, students become empowered learners, able to showcase their talents and discover new skills, while learning about the possibilities of employment in the IT sector. In short, the ITSA program acts as a proactive bridge between secondary and post-secondary education and employment in the IT sector.