SAIT responds to growing skills shortage with new post-diploma program to combat cybersecurity threats

Developed with support and input from industry partners including ATB Financial, Suncor and TELUS, the new program will launch in Winter 2023 to respond to growing skill shortage in today's workforce

Calgary, AB — Today, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) announced the launch of a new post-diploma program in the School for Advanced Digital Technology (SADT) to support employed mid-career information technology professionals looking to upskill and advance competencies in cybersecurity. The new Cyber Security Analyst career-integrated post-diploma certificate program will include 51% workplace learning and mentorship to help respond to local, provincial and global talent gaps.

“SAIT’s close connection with industry enables us to be nimble and address the needs of the future,” says Tom Bornhorst, SAIT Vice President, Academic. “New and relevant programs strengthen SAIT’s commitment to ensuring all SAIT students have the digital literacy, personal agility and entrepreneurial spirit to succeed.”

All courses will be delivered on a part-time basis to enable current employees to retain their positions of employment, while accessing training for their new and evolving roles in IT security.

SAIT will collaborate directly with industry mentors to support both the student and the mentor during field placement.

“As companies digitally transform, they are working to better secure their digital assets from sophisticated cyber threats, finding ways to control access for both on-site and remote employees,” says Dr. Raynie Wood, Dean, SADT.

“With the rapid pace of technological advancement, there is a corresponding increase in demand for entry-level and mid-career cybersecurity professionals,” adds Jessica Ager, Academic Chair, SADT.

Developed with provincial government support and industry partners, SAIT received several letters of support for the program including from ATB Financial, Suncor and TELUS:

• “We believe that this new blend of workplace and on-campus learning will provide a strong foundation to meet the growing need for IT security professionals in Calgary and Alberta.” — Chief Client Experience and Technology Officer, John Tarnowski, ATB Financial
• "Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing fields due to technology becoming interwoven into many aspects of business and daily life. This program is critical to ensuring we can meet the growing need for local, qualified IT security professionals in our workforce." — John Hill, P. Eng. Senior Vice President, Digital and Information Technology, Suncor
• “In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s no longer enough to view security as an added feature after a product or service has been designed – security must be embedded in every phase of the design and development process. Cybersecurity risk has grown exponentially, therefore, it is essential for organizations to invest in their security capabilities and talent to help make Canada more secure as we embrace and expand our digital economy. We are excited to partner with SAIT to drive a secure by design mindset.” — Ibrahim J. Gedeon, Chief Technology Officer, TELUS

Media inquiries

Jill Purdy
Strategic External Content Team Lead
403.608.2751
jill.purdy@sait.ca