A new, government-sponsored IT training program is looking for applicants and will pay you for the duration of your training. 

The Programme pour la requalification et l'accompagnement en technologie de l'information et des communications (PRATIC) has received "an investment of $39.6 million over three years to support the training of 2,500 people in this sector of activity," the provincial Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity said in a press release.

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What is the PRATIC program?

The program is designed to fill a shortage of qualified communications and information technology professionals in the province.

"With PRATIC, our goal is clear," Minister Jean Boulet said in a statement. "We are putting in place incentives to increase the pool of skilled labor in this sector, which is a priority to support the recovery of our economy."

According to the program outline, students' training must "lead to obtaining an attestation of college studies or the possibility of taking tailor-made training related to a job or enrolling in a certificate program or a microprogram offered at a university."

Courses will be offered on a full-time basis and will last for "a minimum of 45 hours." 

What’s the payment and who can enrol?

According to the ministry, "PRATIC participants could benefit from financial assistance of $650 per week for the duration of their training" and a scholarship of $1,950 "will also be awarded to them upon successful completion of their training."

The program is intended for unemployed people who haven't been studying full-time for the past 12 months.

If you think you qualify, you'll need to schedule an appointment with a Services Québec employment assistance agent to apply.

Registration for PRATIC will open on July 1, 2021.