The Google IT Professional Certificates

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 IT support training we implemented at Google as the basis for the Google IT Professional Certificates.

As part of the Google IT Professional Certificates, you’ll engage with a dynamic mix of hands-on labs and other interactive assessments, all developed by Googlers. A degree from a post-secondary education program isn’t a requirement to enroll.

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate introduces you to troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration, and security — all the fundamentals of IT support that are critical for success in the workplace.

The Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate builds on your IT foundations to help you take your career to the next level. This program teaches you in-demand skills like programming in Python, using Git, advanced troubleshooting, and IT automation techniques.

Education and technology are keys to opportunity, but so are equity and access. To ensure that more people have access to the Google IT Professional Certificates, we’ve committed both financial and instructional support to learners throughout Canada.

In 2018 Google.org announced over $1 million in grants to facilitate training and career guidance for 500 scholarship recipients from coast to coast.

To help learners move through the program, in-person support is available through four library systems, including the Toronto Public Library, Hamilton Public Library, Edmonton Public Library, and Surrey Libraries. For more information: tpl.ca/gisc.

Starting in 2020, Google.org is investing an additional $2.5 million in digital skills training for 2,000 young adults across Canada. Working with NPower Canada, learners who are new to IT will be introduced to the field though the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and, to advance the careers of those with some experience, the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate will be available. These certifications will run in complement to NPower’s existing pre-employment and alumni skills training programs.