Welcome to Voice of our Volunteers, our monthly Technology Alberta volunteer communications platform.
From the Editor, Armann Singh:
Hello everyone - I am glad to be back with a second edition of the Voice of the Volunteers newsletter. In addition to some interesting information on your fellow volunteers, and Technology Alberta programs - as a student with an HR Specialization, I would like to draw extra attention to the Professional Development opportunities showcased in this communication.
Please bring your focus to the subsidized micro-credential course presented by the Peter Lougheed Leadership Centre - at the UofA downtown Edmonton location ($300 for 42 hours of training - cohort of 20-30 tech professionals and employers - REGISTERHERE Deadline very soon - Wednesday August 25!). This is an amazing opportunity to boost your leadership skills and acquire one more asset to bring to future employers.
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Also see the Inventures Event in Calgary for an amazing chance to build your networks September 22 - 24.
BONUS - if you volunteer for INVENTURES - they will provide you FREE Admission (Value of $99-199) - see volunteer information HERE, or register as an attendee HERE. This event will also be attended by our very own president, Gail Powley, who is more than happy to help make introductions at the networking events.
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Thanks everyone, and please feel free to provide suggestions or feedback on this regular monthly e-newsletter.
A. WHAT’S NEW AT TECHNOLOGY ALBERTA
NExT Level Careers Program
Purpose of the Program - Career Pathways to the Tech Sector
Technology Alberta in partnership with the Government of Alberta (Ministry of Labour and Immigration) is pleased to present the NExT Level Careers pilot program – where Alberta professionals can demonstrate their value by taking on small funded project opportunities with Alberta’s Novel Engineering and Technology (NExT) product-based SME companies.
Through this paid remote part-time project work and industry engagement program, Technology Alberta NExT Level Companies and Careers will be connecting 100 Career Professionals to Alberta Tech companies and their opportunities.
Successful Alberta NExT Level Career professionals who take on a small, funded, remote, part-time project – not only demonstrate value that they can deliver, but also have visibility to the exciting NExT Level Companies’ career opportunities – and may end up making a difference in both growing these companies and Alberta’s entrepreneurial tech sector. Timing Approx: 10 hours/week x 10 weeks.
NExT Level Professional Development Program Timing: 10 weeks; Wednesdays 7-8PM; October – December.
NExT Level Professional Development Certificate: Weekly sessions are provided in the context of the Alberta SME Tech Sector workplace and Company Showcases provide access to the 50 companies in the program. Sessions offered as a vehicle to coach and enhance workplace performance - and extend your professional and employer networks.
B. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
LEADERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE: A Micro-Credential for Alberta technology company personnel and champions
For aspiring, future, or new leaders within a growing technology company. In partnership with the Peter Lougheed Leadership College at the University of Alberta (with funding from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Government of Alberta).
This micro-credential consists of 42 hours over several weeks. Introductory Cost: $300 per person, (Value of $2,000)
Cohort Sessions Start in-person in downtown Edmonton: September 10
For anyone planning on taking some time off in the next two months or the remainder of this year please fill out the form below. The form will help us understand the duration of time you will be away, and assist us in covering your work. This ensures we do not fall behind and you can relax without worrying about letting down the Technology Alberta team.
We are pleased to shine a spotlight on a different volunteer every month - so everyone can get to know each other better.
Meet: Diana (Liyuan) Feng
Diana’s Volunteer Role:
Assistant Project Manager
Diana completed her master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta. With over six years of research experience in Chemical Engineering, she has published and co-authored seven publications in peer-reviewed journals. She has the skillset to analyze complex information and manage complex projects. She also wants to push her boundaries and build professional skills during her early career. As an Assistant Project Manager with Technology Alberta since May 2021, she is committed to helping young professionals and developing Alberta’s strong and growing technology sector. Outside of work - she loves camping, hiking, snowboarding, and taking care of her two fluffy cats.
Furthermore Diana’s amazing work on the website has been recognized by industry members.
Grant from Calgary Tech Company Goodlawyer said: “Are you the one that's been writing all the articles on Technology Alberta? If so, they're great! I really enjoy reading them!”
Typical of Technology Alberta’s volunteers - Diana came to us with a willingness to learn, and took on the website needs, and delivered exceptionally well. Thanks go out to Monir, Harsh, Debra, and Yasser for their support.
Best way to connect with Diana: Linked-In
E. RECOGNIZING TECHNOLOGY ALBERTA TEAMS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Team: ABTEC3000 & ABTECJEDDI
Team Members (11+): Shawn, Paul, Lav, Prince, Gail, Mike, Martin, Doane, Diana, Monir, Hermange and more!
This month we would like to recognize the ABTEC3000 & ABTECJEDDI team for their hard work. Every month this team works to find Alberta tech SME companies that are hiring, with some of the team focused on the province hubs and others searching rural. With their hard work we are able to showcase 30 Alberta entrepreneurial tech companies a month, and 10 larger employers (JEDDI) and with growing efforts we are building relationships with these companies for their participation in future Technology Alberta programs and growing the tech sector in our province.
Thanks to ABTEC3000 - we have been able to launch the FIRST Jobs, and now NExT Level Careers programs - and most importantly help people find jobs and grow Alberta’s tech sector at the same time. More to come, and thanks to the ABTEC3000 team for building this foundation for Technology Alberta’s programs.
F. NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
1. We are looking for a skilled Jr Developer for assistance on the website.
Weekly Effort Estimate: 10 hours/week
Specific Days of the Week Required: Flexible - coordinating with your supervisor (Diana)
Experience with WordPress is an asset
2. We are looking for a Co-Editor for the new monthly Voice of the Volunteers newsletters.
Monthly Effort Estimate: 4 hours/month
Specific Days of the Month Required: Flexible - coordinating with your co-editor (Armann)
If you are interested and one of these positions is something that would provide you an opportunity to showcase or grow your skills please email armann@technologyalberta.ca for more information.
On behalf of Technology Alberta - thank you for both volunteering, and tuning into this edition of the “Voice of our Volunteers”!
For aspiring, future, or new leaders within a growing technology company. In partnership with the Peter Lougheed Leadership College at the University of Alberta (with funding from the Ministry of Advanced Education, Government of Alberta).
Experience inspiring keynotes and expert panels, startup pitches, informal networking, and more at this Calgary In-Person Event