RoboGarden, an education technology firm based in Calgary, and Vancouver’s experiential learning company Riipen have joined forces to introduce DIGITAL BOOST, a new program aimed at enhancing digital skills and providing hands-on work experience for adults seeking careers in the digital workforce.
The initiative, supported by the Government of Canada, offers comprehensive training and experiential learning opportunities.
DIGITAL BOOST participants will undergo up to 80 hours of digital workforce experience, applying their newly acquired skills in real-world projects. This program is designed for those enrolled in RoboGarden’s digital skills development programs offered through Canadian post-secondary institutions. Participants will work on projects sourced by Riipen, focusing on full stack development or machine learning and artificial intelligence.
“The digital workforce of today and the future demands real-world experience,” said Dr. Mohamed Elhabiby, President and Co-Founder of RoboGarden Inc. “Our collaboration with Riipen provides invaluable opportunities for digital career upskillers and reskillers to immediately apply their new skills and gain valuable workplace exposure.”
The program is part of the Canadian Federal Government’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning (I-WIL) Initiatives. Participants who complete their projects will receive a $1,400 stipend, compensating them for their time and demonstrating the potential income from their new career paths.
DIGITAL BOOST is designed to increase employability and provide clear career direction for those entering the rapidly evolving digital workforce. The program also benefits industry clients by offering access to a diverse pool of talent ready to contribute to digital transformation projects.
Dana Stephenson, Co-Founder and CEO of Riipen, emphasized the importance of practical workplace experience. “Our partnership with RoboGarden combines comprehensive digital skills training with access to real-world projects and industry partners, providing participants with invaluable opportunities to apply their new skills in meaningful ways,” she said.
The demand for digital talent continues to grow. According to a 2022 report from the Conference Board of Canada, roles such as web designers, developers, and database analysts are expected to see significant employment growth by 2030. Additionally, an April 2024 report by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute highlighted a potential gap of 1.9 million positions in U.S. manufacturing by 2030, with roles like data scientists and software developers growing rapidly.
DIGITAL BOOST aims to address these gaps by providing hands-on experience and mentorship, helping participants transition into sustainable and satisfying digital careers. The program is conducted entirely online, leveraging RoboGarden’s and Riipen’s digital platforms and online collaboration tools.
About RoboGarden Inc.
RoboGarden Inc., a subsidiary of Micro Engineering Tech Inc. (METI), is based in Calgary and specializes in AI and software product development and consulting. The company originated from METI’s internal training program for advanced computer languages.
About Riipen
Riipen is an online work-integrated learning platform that partners with governments, educational institutions, and employers to provide high-quality, impactful learning opportunities. With over 13.3 million learning hours implemented, Riipen aims to bridge the skills gap and end underemployment.