Ontario’s tech sector is getting a boost in skilled talent thanks to the expansion of the Soldiers in Tech program, a veteran-focused initiative that connects military personnel and their families with in-demand careers in technology.
The Roland Gossage Foundation, supported by the Ontario Skills Development Fund, announced new partnerships with WatSPEED at the University of Waterloo and ComIT, strengthening the program’s ability to train veterans and their spouses for roles in cybersecurity, web development, and data science.
“With Soldiers in Tech, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable model for veteran training and career development in technology,” said Roland Gossage, Founder of the Roland Gossage Foundation. “Our new partnerships ensure that every participant—whether they’re reskilling, upskilling, or re-entering the workforce—has access to pathways that lead to real jobs, which will help fuel Ontario’s innovation economy.”
Through flexible training pathways, mentorship, and wraparound supports, the program connects graduates directly with employers across Ontario’s innovation ecosystem. The initiative not only helps veterans build future-ready digital skills but also helps address the province’s persistent shortage of qualified tech professionals.
WatSPEED, the University of Waterloo’s professional and executive education unit, will offer accelerated programs such as the Cybersecurity Boot Camp, which prepares learners for CompTIA Security+ certification, and the Full Stack Software Developer Boot Camp, which includes AI-focused modules to future-proof graduates’ skills.
ComIT, a nonprofit specializing in inclusive tech training, will deliver modular, project-based courses including Intro to Programming and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, combining instructor-led instruction with real-world, cloud-based applications using tools like Google Cloud and Vertex AI.
Complementing the technical training, Wilder Path Coaching and Fast Forward Coaching will provide career exploration workshops and individualized support, ensuring veterans and their spouses are equipped for long-term success in the tech workforce.
Funded in part by the Governments of Canada and Ontario, Soldiers in Tech welcomes Canadian Armed Forces veterans, reservists, and spouses of active-duty members residing in Ontario.