EDGE UP (Energy to Digital Growth Education and Upskilling Project) is a short-duration, experiential-based learning program for Oil and Gas professionals who have been displaced from the Oil and Gas sector in Calgary. By building on your existing skillset and experiences, EDGE UP will help you take advantage of high-demand, high-growth digital technology employment opportunities across all industries in Calgary. The best training pathway will be identified for each participant based on validated skills mapping data. Selected participants will work through multiple phases of the program, as outlined in the table below. All training streams will help participants build a path to employment and improve labour market integration outcomes for new employees in the ICT sector. The training is funded by the Future Skills Centre and is provided at no cost to eligible participants.
The Program
| Phase | Program |
| Phase I | Transition to Tech 2-3 weeks (ICTC) |
| Phase II | Foundations of Digital Transformation Training |
| Phase III | (Spring 2022) Tech Training (with one of University of Calgary Continuing Education, SAIT, Bow Valley College or Mount Royal University Continuing Education). See training streams below. |
| Phase IV | Work Integrated Learning – Two Types • Capstone Project, 2-3 weeks (Riipen) • WIL Digital Subsidy (if not already employed), 1-3 months (ICTC) |
During the program, students must be able to support themselves for up to six months in this full-time training program and must be committed to finding full-time employment upon graduation. Programs are funded for successful applicants. Successful applicants will enroll in one-of-four offered options. Please see below for the program outlines.
Program participants must have access to a personal laptop and high-speed internet.
Training Program Options
Product Management Program – Specialization in Digital Product Marketing
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY CONTINUING EDUCATION
This program is designed to help participants acquire product management knowledge and skills. The role of product manager includes many activities, from strategic to tactical. This program covers various concepts, tools, and techniques specific to product management, which can help a product manager push a company’s product to the next level of performance. Participants in this program will also acquire a Digital Marketing specialization.
Cyber Security for Today’s World
SAIT
This program will prepare individuals to enter the security profession with confidence and solid fundamental knowledge to help businesses identify information security threats and risks.
IT Network Engineering
BOW VALLEY COLLEGE
The need for networking skills is expanding as we move to a more connected world. This program allows graduates to succeed in numerous networking roles such as network engineer/architect and network administrator. Using the Cisco Network Academy this will prepare graduates to work in all these in demand jobs and roles.
Cloud Computing
MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY CONTINUING EDUCATION
Amazon Web Services (AWS) re/Start helps participants build technical skills, including Linux, Python, networking, security and relational database skills. Through scenario-based learning and hands-on labs, learners gain the technical skills needed for entry-level cloud roles.
Is EDGE UP right for you?
Prior to completing the application form, please take a look through out Frequently Asked Questions regarding program eligibility and expectations.
You can also check out the Mapping Calgary’s Digital Future report which was used to develop the tools on the Calgary Upskill website to explore your career transition. The Skills Matching Tool was developed based on a study, through collaborative efforts between the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) and Calgary Economic Development, conducted to better understand the most in-demand digital careers. Use the tool to learn how your skills match with in-demand tech roles.
Take the self-assessment eligibility questionnaire
To be considered for the program, you must meet all of the eligibility criteria. Although program tuition is funded by Future Skills Centre, it is not eligible for student loans or living allowance. For applicants who are currently on EI or are eligible for EI, contact a Service Canada representative.
