From power grids and hospitals to water treatment plants and transportation networks, Canada’s critical infrastructure is an attractive target for ransomware actors. With the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals with industrial control skills, BCIT is welcoming its fifth cohort of Canadian veterans to the Veterans Industrial Cybersecurity Bootcamp from July 13 to 17 at the Burnaby Campus. The bootcamp is free for all participating veterans.
Veterans are vital in safeguarding national critical infrastructure
The Veterans Industrial Cybersecurity Bootcamp is a version of the BCIT Industrial Networking for Cybersecurity Professionals microcredential program that is uniquely designed for veterans who have foundational knowledge in network security.
In partnership with Tech Vets Canada and CyberCatalyst, alongside support from industry partners Johnson Controls, Fortinet, and BDO Canada, the one-week program provides veterans with an accelerated pathway that help launch a cybersecurity career in the civilian workforce.
This year’s cohort includes 10 veterans from communities across Canada. Training is game-based and takes place inside the BCIT Industrial Network Cybersecurity Lab. Veterans work collaboratively through game-based training to develop the technical and soft skills needed to defend against cyberthreats to industrial, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure organizations.
Many veterans bring experience working in secure, mission-focused environments where teamwork, accountability, and operational discipline are essential. Those strengths transfer well to industrial cybersecurity roles.
Over 50 veterans have completed the program since it first launched in 2022. Veterans who complete the program may work in roles such as Industrial Network Technician, Industrial Network Specialist, and Industrial Cybersecurity Analyst.
Canada predicts ransomware to be the top cybercrime facing Canada’s critical infrastructure. In late 2023, five hospitals in Southern Ontario were impacted by a ransomware incident that resulted in internal system shutdowns and more than $7.5 million in associated costs.
With Bill C-8 now receiving Royal Assent, Canada has amended the Telecommunications Act and created a new federal framework for protecting critical cyber systems in sectors such as telecommunications, finance, energy, and transportation. The demand for cybersecurity professionals who understand both networks and industrial operations continue to grow.
Quick facts
- BCIT offers one of the largest selections of cybersecurity training in Western Canada.
- The Industrial Network Cybersecurity diploma is the first program of its kind in Canada.
- The BCIT Legion Military Skills Conversion program connects military learning to post-secondary education. It recognizes acquired military skills and translates them into pathways for classroom success. Since 2009, the BCIT Legion Military Skills Conversion Program has supported more than 1,100 military members and veterans through comprehensive educational assessments and career transition services.
Quotes
Roger Gale, Faculty, Industrial Network Cybersecurity program, BCIT
As Canada strengthens the cybersecurity and resilience of its critical infrastructure, the demand for professionals with expertise in both digital networks and industrial operations continue to grow. The Veterans Industrial Cybersecurity Bootcamp demonstrates the impact of BCIT’s collaboration with industry to create accessible pathways that recognize veterans’ skills and experience while building the diverse and resilient workforce Canada needs.
Roger Payne, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Tech Vets Canada
“This bootcamp represents everything Tech Vets Canada was built to do. Partnering with BCIT brings world-class cybersecurity instruction to our veterans, and having Fortinet step up as Platinum Sponsor makes it possible for veterans from every corner of Canada to attend completely free of charge. That kind of support is a game-changer for a veteran in Newfoundland or northern Alberta who otherwise wouldn’t have access to this level of training. Canadian veterans have already served this country — now we’re giving them the tools to defend it in a whole new way. We’re incredibly grateful to both BCIT and Fortinet for making this a reality.”
Melonia Da Gama, Director of Training and Learning Programs, Fortinet
“At Fortinet, we firmly believe that closing the cybersecurity skills gap requires meaningful action to expand access to high-quality education and training. The BCIT Veterans Industrial Cybersecurity Bootcamp represents a unique opportunity to support those who have served their country by helping them transition into cybersecurity careers and leverage their experience in mission-critical environments. By supporting this program, we are committed not only to developing new talent but also to strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure by advancing essential capabilities in operational technology and industrial cybersecurity.”
Rocco Galletto, Partner, National Cybersecurity Leader, BDO
“At BDO, we recognize that Canada’s economic security, national resilience, and critical infrastructure depend on a strong cybersecurity workforce. Veterans bring invaluable operational experience, leadership, and a commitment to service that translates naturally into protecting the systems Canadians depend on every day. We are proud to support BCIT’s Veterans Industrial Cybersecurity Bootcamp, helping veterans build rewarding civilian careers while strengthening Canada’s cybersecurity and resilience for the future.”