By RON FANFAIR
Toronto Metropolitan University has welcomed the first cohort of Guyanese students enrolled in The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education Full Stack Developer program.
As part of the Guyanese government’s ‘One Guyana Digital Initiative’, 2,000 students will complete the online certification program over two years, gaining the technical skills and practical experience needed to excel as web and software developers.
Students will take four courses covering end-to-end development – full stack developer, python programming, design for mobile devices and user experience design.
“The program focuses on system development and data analytics,” said Mihal Miu, a contract lecturer at The Chang School who helped design the program. “The four courses included in the certificate cover the tools, programming languages and applications that are most in demand when an individual is being hired for a full stack developer role. We know this through consultations with employers across all industry verticals.”
The courses will offer hands-on practical experience to students, making sure they are career-ready upon completion of the program. Virtual mentorship and peer support will also be available for them to seek advice on full stack course assignments, final projects and career opportunities. Students will have full access to all the resources and supports TMU offers, including the library and student counselling services.
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development in Guyana selected the 2,000 learners who will attend the certificate program.
The selection was made based on the Guyana government’s diversity targets for race, region and gender.
A total of 50 per cent of the spots were reserved for women and 25 per cent for Indigenous students. The remainder is proportionally represented by the 10 administrative regions.
“The Chang School’s highest priority is to respond to the needs of continuous learners across Canada and internationally,” said Linda Koechli, Interim Dean of The Chang School. “It is a privilege to help Guyanese students strengthen their skills and knowledge in an in-demand area that is directly applicable to the global market. Though helping them reach their career goals, we are confident that this partnership will make a difference in people’s lives.”
