The Google IT Support Professional Certificate

IT support is a dynamic, fast-growing field and, according to the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), Canada needs 182,000 individuals to help to fill various positions. These range from information systems analysts and consultants, to computer and network operators, Web technicians and software engineers.

More and more people are using technology for some part of their work. But sometimes things go wrong — hardware breaks, networks go down, systems fail — and when they do, it’s vital to have team members who know what steps to take.

At Google, the challenge we faced in finding qualified candidates to join our own IT support team inspired the creation of a new training program. Now, we’re using the training we implemented at Google as the basis for the IT Support Certificate. No tech experience or higher education degree is necessary.

In this program, you’ll engage with a dynamic mix of hands-on labs and interactive assessments, all developed by Googlers. This certificate program introduces you to troubleshooting and customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration, and security — all the fundamentals of IT support that are critical for success in the workplace. And, throughout the program, you’ll hear directly from Googlers whose own foundation in IT support served as a jumping off point for their careers.

Education and technology are keys to opportunity, but so are equity and access. To ensure that more people have access to the program, we’re providing both financial and instructional support to 500 learners throughout Canada over the course of two years (2018-2019).

As part of that commitment, Google.org is providing a $1.1 million dollar grant to facilitate training and career guidance for scholarship recipients from coast to coast. To help learners move through the program with ease, in-person support will be available through four libraries systems, including the Toronto Public Library, Hamilton Public Library, Edmonton Public Library, and Surrey Libraries. Virtual support will also be available for learners across the country. For more information: tpl.ca/gisc.

This investment is part of an overarching $2 million Google.org grant dedicated to providing Canadians with access to digital skills training through the Grow with Google initiative.