Uplift Program

YWCA Hamilton has partnered with the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) Industrial Training Program to offer a comprehensive training course on electrification technologies in the automotive, aerospace, and infrastructure sectors. This program covers the latest advancements in electrified transportation, as well as the opportunities and technological challenges involved. Participants will also examine the societal, environmental, and ethical benefits and issues related to electrification. The course places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and practical considerations. 

The course is structured into three main topics: 

1. Electrification in automotive systems: Covering electric vehicles, the technical aspects of the vehicles and the future of this field.  
2. Electrification in aerospace and aviation: exploring the unique challenges faced by air mobility, alternate propulsion systems, energy storage for aviation, sustainability and regulatory framework. 
3. Electrification in infrastructure & smart cities: Focusing on smart grids, electrified public transport, and IoT-driven energy management. 

This course provides a foundational understanding of electric vehicles (EVs) for participants. It covers key concepts, technical fundamentals, industry trends, and the economic and environmental impact of EV technology. By the end of the course, participants will be well-equipped to understand the transformation of the automotive industry and its implications for the future. 

Funder: FedDev 

Partner: McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute Industrial Training Program (MMRI)

Our Data Science Program offers comprehensive certification training in Data Science. Participants in this stream will gain expertise in various areas, such as data analysis, developing algorithms, and solving complex business challenges.

The Data Science stream is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of data science and the pivotal role data scientists play in today’s technology-driven world. Through an engaging and hands-on approach, this stream equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the vast realm of data analysis, interpretation, and prediction.

We are proud to offer this program in partnership with the University of Guelph’s Open Learning and Educational Support program led by experienced and professional data science instructors. More information can be found here. Coupled with the support from the YWCA, participants will have access to industry connections and career development, ensuring they have the necessary tools for future success.

• Discovery Data Science (4 weeks)
• Introduction to Data Science (8 weeks)
• Data Mining and Machine Learning (8 weeks)
• Big Data Analytics (8 weeks)

• Apply appropriate data analytic methods to inform organizational decision-making.
• Develop skills in data acquisition, processing, and cleaning.
• Apply statistical methods and predictive modeling to solve real-world problems.
• Analyze big data using tools like Hadoop, Hive, and Spark.
• Create compelling data visualizations and communicate findings effectively

• Data Architect
• Data Scientist
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Machine Learning Specialist
• Quantitative Analyst

High annual salary $110-116k annually
Median wage $70-80k /annually
Source: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/227147/ON

• Women (cisgender or transgender) or non-binary
• Bachelor’s degree, diploma or relevant experience
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Ontario resident
• Canadian Language Benchmark levels 7-8

To be successful in this program, it is recommended that you have a recent statistics course and basic experience or understanding of ’R’ programming language.

• Complete online application form
• Attend an Information session/Intake Interview
• Provide proof of eligibility
• Receive offer of acceptance and complete Participant Agreement containing code of conduct, expectations, consent to release information and confidentiality agreement
• Enrolment with training partner is completed by Program Coordinator

Our training partner, McMaster University will provide certification training developed in collaboration with top industry experts, MacDATA Institute and McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business. The program schedule includes part-time, asynchronistic as well as synchronistic, online learning.

Program Timelines are October 2023 – June 2024

Gain knowledge and skills using the latest data analytics program and tools, towards a Certificate of Professional Learning, consisting of three online courses:

• Statistics for Data Analysis (Virtual Classroom 9 weeks) This course introduces descriptive statistics, basic inferential statistics, linear regression, and probability concepts and calculations. Practical application activities in the course focus on how statistical methods are used in the analysis of data. Common statistical and programming tools will be introduced and employed in order to demonstrate how significant and insightful information is collected, used, and applied to problem-solving processes.
• Working with Databases (Asynchronistic 13 weeks) This course introduces students to database management concepts using a practical approach. The course will begin with an introduction to data modeling and how these models are implemented through the use of Structured Query Language (SQL). The remainder of the course explores how SQL can be used to query and manipulate data.
• Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (Virtual Classroom 8 weeks) This course will cover learning to apply data analytics skills to the area of business intelligence (BI). Focus is placed on the components of the business intelligence project lifecycle such as project planning, BI tool selection, data modeling, ETL design, BI application design and deployment and reporting. This course is designed for individuals interested in BI practices and analysis without a detailed focus on statistical analysis and computer programming.

The Uplift Program provides a holistic wraparound support system, ongoing peer support, industry connections and career development.

Careers

• Data Analyst roles include Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Statistical Analyst, Database Analyst, Data Management, Data Quality Manager/Analyst *
• Wages: $25 – 59/hour or $52-118k annual salary
• Outlook in Ontario is rated 4/5
• Industries: Computer system design services, monetary authorities (banks, securities, etc.), federal government public administration, information, and cultural industries.
• Gender distribution in this field: 34% women
• *Other qualifications may apply

Source: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/17873/ON

Eligibility Requirements

• Women (cisgender or transgender) or non-binary
• Bachelor’s degree, diploma and some relevant skills and/or experience
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Canadian Language Benchmark levels 7-8

Steps to enrolment

• Complete online application form
• Attend an Information session/Intake Interview
• Provide proof of eligibility
• Receive offer of acceptance, complete Participant Agreement containing code of conduct, expectations, consent to release information and confidentiality agreement
• Enrolment with training partner is completed by Program Coordinator

The YWCA Hamilton Uplift takes pride in its comprehensive career support program, which goes above and beyond to assist our participants in their professional journeys. We have forged strong alliances with industry partners and employers who play a pivotal role in enhancing the program’s effectiveness. These invaluable employer relationships enable us to provide participants with firsthand knowledge of the current job market, industry trends, and skills in high demand. Through their collaboration, we are able to offer a diverse range of resources and real-world insights that significantly enrich participants’ career perspectives and broaden their horizons regarding future possibilities.

Interested industry professionals will join our list of employers to be contacted as needed to virtually present various themed sessions to our participants ranging from a career journey conversation to a subject-specific workshop. Time commitment will vary but will be no more than 2 hours per month. It is important to emphasize that all contributions of time from partners are entirely voluntary. We deeply appreciate the willingness of industry partners and employers to share their expertise and resources with our program participants. Your valuable input and engagement play a vital role in shaping the future of aspiring professionals and promoting inclusive practices within the workforce.

• Consider identifying women in your organization who could benefit from reskilling in one of our certification cohorts.
• Connecting us with potential guest speakers from your organization to take part in our career support program.
• Opportunities for your organization to recruit Uplift Program participants to fill positions in your organization upon graduation.

If you are ready to become an Industry Partner, please click on the registration button below.