Ontario Tech the province’s first university to join new Microsoft Canada data analytics and AI skills program

At this crucial point as the economy emerges from the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario Tech University is the first university in the province to partner with Microsoft Canada in a new program to equip students with high-demand fundamental digital skills and cloud certifications.

Launching this fall, Microsoft’s Canada Skills Program will enable students to graduate with both a Microsoft certification, as well as an Ontario Tech credential. Ontario Tech is one of 12 Canadian post-secondary institutions joining the program to bolster the employability of students in degree, diploma, and continuing-education programs.  

As a Canada Skills Program participant, Ontario Tech will combine Microsoft's curriculum alongside existing coursework, preparing students to take industry-recognized Microsoft certifications in data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

This latest initiative is one of many Ontario Tech has created aimed at giving Canadians the skills they need for the digital economy.  This initiative also allows recent graduates to upgrade and evolve their skills with the changing economy. 

Quotes

“Ontario Tech University is proud to be a leader in the evolving space of lifelong learning. We are continuing to expand new skills offerings in our teaching environment to meet the needs of students as we adapt to rapid changes in our economy from disruption caused by technology and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our university is proud to be a founding participant in the Canada Skills Program; Microsoft is one the many corporate partners we work with to give our students a competitive edge.”
-Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University 

“The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation at unimaginable rates, making skills in cloud, data and AI more important than ever. Microsoft developed the Canada Skills Program to help strengthen the innovation economy by building a talent pipeline equipped with the skills they need for future success.” 
-Kevin Peesker, President, Microsoft Canada

“The global economic recovery will be significantly rooted in innovations which require these skills. As a global technology leader, we have a responsibility to ensure future generations of workers have the tools they need to succeed, and to help strengthen our economies overall.” 
-Anthony Salcito, Vice-President of Worldwide Education, Microsoft

Media contact
Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
289.928.3653
bryan.oliver@ontariotechu.ca