Did you know that Lighthouse Labs has partnered with the First Nations Technology Council to create access into the tech sector for Indigenous talent through the Bridging to Technology Program?

This program couldn’t have come at a better time – it’s forecasted that by 2019 over 15,500 ICT jobs will need to be filled in Vancouver alone. With the Indigenous population as one of the fastest growing demographics in Canada, and among the youngest with a median age of 29 (compared to 41 for the non-Indigenous population) there is a huge opportunity for Indigenous talent in Vancouver.

If you are an Indigenous person in B.C in pursuit of a career in software development, click here to learn more about the Bridging to Technology program.

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The First Nations Technology Council sat down with Bridging to Technology participant and soon-to-be Bootcamp student Lydia Prince to hear about what attracted her to Lighthouse Labs. Here’s what she has to say:

FNTC: Tell us a bit about yourself.

Lydia: I’m originally from Central Interior of B.C. I have a creative background that includes illustration and graphic design. I’m interested in building off that. I know that Vancouver has a large creative industry, so I moved to Vancouver to tap into that.

What have you been doing since you’ve been here?

I’ve been trying to get myself out there by networking and exploring Vancouver. I’ve also been bitten by the tech bug! I have a bit of experience with coding from my schooling, but not quite enough. I’m really interested in developing my tech skills.

And how did you hear about the Bridging to Technology Program?

It came across my Twitter feed when the program was announced. As soon as I saw the announcement I jumped on it and emailed the Technology Council. I kind of bugged you for a while there! I was really persistent because I was eager to be a participant.

How are you feeling about starting the program in October?

Oh super excited! I’m counting the days until the program starts. I’ve been working on my homework and making sure that I have a solid foundation before I begin. I’m really excited.

That’s awesome. What are you most excited to learn about?

I’m really looking forward to learning about JavaScript and website development, in general, because it will meld well with my creative background. I think it will help with the direction I want to take my career.

Witnessing First Nations people break into technology is extremely interesting to me because I haven’t seen that before. I think it’s cool to be a part of it, first hand, and watch it grow.

Have you done any coding before?

Yes, I’ve learned the basics in my previous schooling.

What are you hoping to do after the program?

I’m hoping to start as a developer. I want to get a little bit of experience before I move up the ladder and build from there.

Do you want to build apps, software, what’s the dream?

I want to do it all!

You've been working for yourself with your graphic design and illustration. Could you see yourself as a freelance software developer?

I’ve been thinking about working for myself; I haven’t decided, but this program will give me the skills to actually break out on my own if I choose to.

Anything else you want to add?

I’m just really excited to start! Witnessing First Nations people break into technology is extremely interesting to me because I haven’t seen that before. I think it’s cool to be a part of it, first hand, and watch it grow.

I’m excited to see what unfolds with First Nations and technology.

Are you an Indigenous person in B.C in pursuit of a career in software development? Click here to sign up and learn more about the Bridging to Technology program.