50+ new software testing jobs coming through Sault College partnership

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT COLLEGE
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PLATO Testing (PLATO) has partnered with Sault College to deliver software testing training to Indigenous students beginning Feb. 4, 2019.

In September, PLATO, a company that addresses the technology talent shortage in Canada by bringing training and employment to First Nations, Métis and Inuit across Canada, announced its intent to create a software testing lab in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. The partnership between PLATO and Sault College represents a significant step toward the goal of creating upwards of 57 software testing jobs in Sault Ste. Marie.

The software testing training is comprised of a four-month in-class session delivered by a professional instructor, followed by a two-month paid internship. Upon successful completion, graduates are offered a full-time permanent career with PLATO Testing in Sault Ste. Marie.

“Students who successfully complete the six-month training session are offered full-time employment with PLATO,” said PLATO Testing President, Denis Carignan. “We’ve had incredible success in other cities, with an 85 per cent completion rate. Students enter the program with no testing experience and graduate six months later with the skills they need to succeed as a software tester and possibly advance their career further in IT.”

Candidates must have a Grade 12 / GED equivalent, be detail-oriented and have an interest in technology.

Training begins Feb. 4, 2019 at Sault College. Dr. Ron Common, Sault College president, is energized by the potential this opportunity brings for Indigenous people.

“This training is a gateway to a meaningful career in IT for our Indigenous communities,” said Dr. Common. “Sault College is honoured to partner with PLATO on this important initiative and support these students throughout their training. To complement this, students will have full access to our resources at Enji Maawnnjiding as we hope to encourage them to celebrate their Indigenous culture both at school and at work. This training can be life-changing and we’re both excited and proud to play a role in it.”

PLATO is accepting applications for the February training session until Jan. 15 through their website. Interviews will take place in Sault Ste. Marie for all qualified applicants on Jan. 15-17, 2019.

About PLATO Testing

PLATO Testing is developing and leveraging a network of Indigenous software testers across Canada. PLATO Testing provides outsourced testing solutions to clients throughout North America, with a focus on projects that would have previously been sent offshore.

Established by industry veteran and PQA Testing founder Keith McIntosh, PLATO Testing addresses both the technology talent shortage in Canada and brings meaningful training and employment to Indigenous people. Working with PLATO Testing, whether as a client or as part of the team, makes a positive impact.
Visit PLATO online.

About PQA Testing

Founded in 1997, Professional Quality Assurance Ltd. (PQA) is Canada’s leading independent solutions provider of quality assurance and software testing services through a team of over 100 professionals.

Headquartered in Fredericton, NB, PQA has additional delivery offices across Canada. PQA offers a “Test Smarter” testing process that includes methodologies, frameworks and tools to ensure that testing projects are conducted in a well-managed and consistent manner across the entire software development life-cycle.

They apply and tailor their methodologies and approaches to match your development and testing lifecycle, keeping your objectives and goals in mind. PQA can add value at any point in your testing process to help ensure successful project delivery. PQA testers are not part time testers.

They are dedicated professionals who will efficiently and innovatively test your application, reduce your risk and allow you to produce better quality software. Their experienced staff, proficient in the application of automated test tools and manual methodologies, can dramatically expedite testing times. Visit PQA online at online.

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