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Rogers Communications today introduced the first members of its advisory council to oversee a National Centre of Technology and Engineering Excellence to be established in the heart of Calgary following the close of its proposed merger with Shaw Communications.
The Rogers THINKLab will help train new graduates and build a pipeline for high-skilled technical talent to stay and work in Canada.
The new Rogers THINKLab Advisory Council will guide and support strategic decisions to achieve THINKLab’s mandate with a focus on training talent, recruitment, and development. Inaugural council members include representatives from leading academic and economic organizations in B.C. and Alberta including University of Calgary, NAIT, BCIT, and UBC.
Following the close of proposed Shaw merger, THINKLab to bring 500 technology roles to Calgary’s rapidly growing tech sector, focusing on engineering, networks, digital and IT.
The skilled technology roles will focus on engineering and technical delivery across networks, digital and IT for the combined company, with an emphasis on 5G, DOCSIS & Fibre technology, Digital & Cloud, Data analytics, Multi-edge Compute, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, IoT and Cyber Security.
THINKLab builds on Rogers more than $25 million of national investment in 5G research and development.
Shaw’s current relationships with NAIT, SAIT and Mount Royal University would be incorporated into the THINKLab post-close and the centre would develop new relationships with post-secondary institutions like Selkirk College.
“We are excited to introduce the first esteemed members of our new advisory board, each an expert and leader in their own field, who will help guide this critical technology and engineering hub. THINKLab will leverage the incredible talent pool in Western Canada, while also bringing together the brightest academic talent across Canada to research, develop and deliver leading technology infrastructure and services to Canadians,” said Jorge Fernandes, Chief Technology Officer, Rogers Communications, and head of proposed Rogers THINKLab.