In 2020, the Government of Canada launched a purpose- and impact-driven Cyber Workforce Enablement Program (CWEP) to achieve two important objectives. One, help working-age Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans successfully transition from military careers to new civilian careers in digital technologies. Two, give federal departments access to trusted, security-cleared, digitally trained public service professionals at a time when the demand for such resources is greater than the supply available in the federal public service. In addition to CAF veterans, the program includes military personnels’ and veterans’ spouses as a way of supporting the Canadian Armed Forces family unit.
The CWEP provides participants with training, coaching, and hands-on experience through contractual employment, with an opportunity to forge full-time employment should the participant and hiring organization see mutual value in forging such a relationship. Since its inception, 217 veterans have had this unique opportunity to work with more than 15 federal departments, and more than 40 have been extended full-time employment offers with the Government of Canada.
At the time of launch and seen over and over again, retired CAF members make excellent candidates for this type of program. As a result of their military training and experience, they are trained to be mission-focused problem-solvers with strong team-building and collaboration skills. Veterans have spent their careers training and doing exceptional things as parts of a team for the benefit of Canada. This program is helping them continue to do so in their post-military careers.
The journey begins when the participant enrolls in the CWEP, at which point they complete an aptitude test, a psychometric test, and further assessments related to cultural fit and learning style, to help uncover which IT career paths for which they would likely be best suited and would provide them with career satisfaction.
Once the candidate selects their training path, they commence certified training consisting of both theoretical and hands-on practical training, concluded with a capstone project to ensure the learner is prepared for placement.
The program aims to train candidates in career areas that are highly satisfying to the learner while bridging the gap between supply and demand in hard-to-fill IT roles, increasing the likelihood of placement and long-term satisfaction. It’s helping create a high-demand digital workforce while also proactively aiding Canadians who have served our country and are looking to start a new chapter for themselves and their families.
Veterans need our collective support, and the federal government needs access to trusted, secure digital talent. However, with the current CWEP program set to expire March 31, 2025, the program is at risk, requiring fast and decisive action on the part of the federal government. Much work is needed to modernize and digitalize ways of working. Doing so will enable more operational and financial efficiency and effectiveness, a better-equipped, future-ready federal workforce, and greater value for Canadians. Veterans should continue to be part of the solution, delivering a win for all.
