A software company owned by Kitsaki Management is looking to help more people find work in the technology sector.
PLATO, a software testing company which is majority owned by the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s (LLRIB) economic development arm, is offering a training course to Indigenous people who are interested in a career in the technology sector. Those who complete the training coarse will be offered employment with PLATO.
Ron Hyggen, CEO of Kitsaki Management explained PLATO has already been offering the training program to people in Regina. He said they believe it is important to bring the program closer to Kitsaki’s home communities while offering people some good opportunities.
“This is giving people a lot more ability to access the technology industry and technology field, (and) meaningful employment,” he said.
Hyggen added people who complete the training will be offered the chance to work with PLATO but will also have skills which could allow them to work for other companies.
“Also it opens the doors to other avenues of the tech industry,” he said.
The training program includes five months of in class instruction which is then followed by a paid work term.
Keith McIntosh, the founder and CEO of PLATO said the company, which was founded 1997, tests software for companies in a range of different industries including banking, finance and oil and gas. He said their clients are located in a range of different places.
“We test software all over the country and really all around the world,” he said.
McIntosh said the roots of the company’s Indigenous training program date back to 2015 with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. PLATO was also at the time looking to hire more Indigenous people to help deal with their labour challenges. Eventually the company decided to build a training program to help them recruit and train Indigenous workers, which is now an important part of their business operations.
“Our business is software testing, we’re a for profit software testing company, it just happens that in order to make that work well, we create opportunities for people in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities,” he said.
There are still spots available in the testing program for people who are interested in taking part. People who are interested are being encouraged to visit PLATO’s website.
(Photo courtesy of PLATO Testing.)