IBM, OCE and OCRI aim to fill the talent pipeline and launch High School Technology Program

Ottawa, ON – September 30, 2008 – Skilled technology workers are in high demand in Ottawa. The technology sector in the region has recovered from the collapse but students remain skeptical about an industry that caused so much uncertainty and concern for their parents. Registration for computer and technology related programs in post-secondary institutions remains low. In an effort to re-establish computer engineering and computer science engineering as viable career options in the minds of students, OCRI has partnered with OCE (Ontario Centres of Excellence), IBM, All Saints and Earl of March High Schools to deliver this unique, industry-led initiative.

"We need to ensure that Ottawa's talent pipeline remains strong," says Marcellus Mindel, Director, Centre for Advanced Studies, IBM. "This program is a great opportunity for companies to play an active role in the development of quality talent for the sector and share our excitement about the industry with students. IBM is very proud to provide access to this great lab where students can learn from mentors and teachers about the possibilities associated with computers, engineering and technology."

"Our students are already curious about a future in technology and they are thrilled to be involved in this pilot project which will help clarify their career path," says Tom Brooks, teacher, All Saints High School. "Students will experience Ottawa technology companies like never before, they will touch, use, and take apart world leading technology under the guidance of technology professionals who built and designed it."

Over the course of the school year, students will participate one day per week in this innovative industry-led learning experience which will enhance their understanding of technology and the opportunities available to them. The locations will rotate and include visits to labs, conferences and workshops facilitated by RIM, Nortel, Carleton University, University of Ottawa, Algonquin College and IBM. Students will learn about computer hardware, networking, teambuilding and the variety of career options presented by Ottawa's diverse technology sector.

The entire program is designed around social computing, the open source community and the XO laptop. Students will create, with the help of industry experts, a final project that will run on the XO. The students are given laptops to use throughout the program allowing them to easily move between the different technology companies and to work on their projects while at school. Two projects will be named best in class by mentors, teachers and advisors at the end of the year. By providing students with technological experience and increasing their awareness of career opportunities available in computer-related fields, OCRI and all partners expect that the number of students enrolling in tech-related post-secondary programs will rise.

"The technology sector in Ottawa is resilient. The diversification that we've witnessed over the past several years presents an unprecedented amount of career options," explains Jeffrey Dale, President and CEO, OCRI. "Digital gaming, design, security, cleantech and life sciences are just a few of the emerging technology sectors in the city. Ottawa is not limited to telecommunications and that is the message that we need to get out to our students if we are going to increase the number of skilled technology workers for Ottawa-based businesses."

This project is possible thanks to the collaboration of several partners: IBM, OCE, OCRI, Nortel, Dell, Cisco, Macadamian, Microsoft, RIM, The Ottawa Software Cluster, Algonquin College, Carleton University, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB), Shad Valley summer students and Partnering to Achieve Student Success (PASS).

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About OCRI:
OCRI (Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation), the city's economic development corporation, is leading the way for Ottawa. OCRI is the rallying point to bring business, education, research and talent together to create the winning economic conditions that allow Ottawa's technology companies to thrive locally and compete globally. At OCRI we promote sustainable economic development to maintain our high quality of life. For more information on OCRI visit our website at www.ocri.ca and for more information on the Ottawa Region please visit www.ottawaregion.com.