Empowering Women in Cybersecurity: The CTWIL Program Expands Across Canada
In an effort to address the ongoing shortage of female workers in the cybersecurity sector, a groundbreaking initiative known as the Cybersecurity Training and Work Integrated Learning (CTWIL) program is taking Canada by storm. Established by the Cybersecurity Research Lab (CRL) at the Ted Rogers School of Management in partnership with the Information Communications Technology Council of Canada (ICTC), this program aims to attract and empower women and non-binary individuals interested in pursuing careers in cybersecurity.
Launched as a pilot project three years ago, the CTWIL program has made significant strides in its mission to support female post-secondary education students. Participants in the program receive comprehensive training, access to Microsoft certification examinations, and a paid 16-week work-integrated learning placement in the cybersecurity sector. This unique combination not only equips students with essential industry knowledge, but also provides them with invaluable networking opportunities and mentorship, crucial for establishing a successful career in technology.
Dr. Atefeh Mashatan, Director of the CRL, played an instrumental role in designing the program alongside ICTC. Through CTWIL, women are given a platform to connect with industry professionals, learn about various cybersecurity career pathways, and gain confidence in their abilities. Funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program and Microsoft, the initiative seeks to create an inclusive environment where women can thrive in cybersecurity roles.
“ICTC has developed a unique program with Microsoft to attract, train, and retain women and women-identified students in cybersecurity careers,” Dr. Mashatan explains. “Participants earn Microsoft certifications, gain mentorship from ICTC, and accumulate valuable work experience with employers. This equips them to make informed career decisions and enhances their competitiveness in the job market.”
The program’s impact is already evident, with the Ted Rogers School’s Business Technology Management (BTM) program being one of the first to participate. In February 2023, the school hosted a successful event marking the first phase of the CTWIL initiative. Eligible students must be female or identify as female, and have completed their second year of a BTM program. Each year, the program accepts 40 participants, guiding them through eight months of certification modules, job readiness training, and work placements.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Zahra Adelzadeh, a recipient of the Toronto Metropolitan University Gold Medal, noted that her involvement in the Women in Cybersecurity program has been transformative. “The comprehensive training in Microsoft Azure and Security, Compliance, and Identity deepened my understanding of industry tools and systems. My placement as a Systems Consultant at Long View Systems offered hands-on experience and invaluable mentorship, honing my skills and boosting my confidence.”
Since its inception, the CTWIL program has expanded its reach nationally, welcoming several universities into the partnership, including the British Columbia Institute of Technology, University of Calgary, Red River College Polytechnic, and Dalhousie University, among others.
As the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, initiatives like the CTWIL program play a vital role in addressing this gap by fostering the next generation of female leaders in technology. By providing targeted training and support, the program not only prepares students for rewarding careers but also works to change the narrative around women in cybersecurity, paving the way for a more inclusive future in the field.
