Name: PLATO – Testing Services That Make A Difference
Start: 2019-10-08T18:30:00-06:00
End: 2019-10-08T20:30:00-06:00
Location: SAIT Campus - Aldred Centre - Tech Hall (CA 415)

The mission of PLATO Testing is to build a network of 1000 Indigenous software testers in 20 communities across Canada.

The team from PLATO Testing (www.platotesting.com) will share their “Give Work, Change Lives” philosophy and tell the story of the inspiration behind the creation of PLATO. John will describe how PLATO is working with corporate Canada to address the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action 92, and how creating real job opportunities for marginalized people can help provide them with dignity, pride and hope.

PLATO Testing is addressing the technology talent shortage in Canada by bringing meaningful training and employment to Indigenous people. PLATO Testing specializes in training and employing Indigenous Software Testers to provide diverse software testing solutions to clients throughout North America.

PLATO Testers are making a positive impact for clients from coast to coast to coast. PLATO testing has offices on or near Indigenous communities across Canada, in Fredericton and Miramichi New Brunswick, Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

PLATO is excited to welcome the Calgary students to our family as we strive to build a network of 1000 Indigenous software testers in 20 communities across Canada. PLATO Testing currently employs more than 50 full-time Indigenous software testers across Canada.

About John Robertson
John is the Western Canadian Director at PQA/PLATO, where his role is to help companies achieve their goals through Software Testing. Prior to PQA/PLATO John spent 20 years at Nasdaq where he helped companies of all sizes, effectively communicate with their target audiences. He has a background in Sales, Public Relations and Social Media.

About Ben Severight
Ben Severight first learned of PLATO when we were recruiting for our second Vancouver class in the Winter of 2017. He was living in Edmonton at the time, and discovered that Oteenow Employment and Training Society was partnering with PLATO to bring the course to Alberta’s capital in the fall of that year. Ben had been working construction and labour jobs, but saw no path for advancement. He applied, was accepted, and started learning how to test software in October of 2017. Ben was offered an internship with Suncor in February of 2018, so he moved to Calgary for the opportunity. He impressed the Suncor team and has been working for PLATO as a tester with Suncor ever since. Ben is Ojibwe from the Cote First Nation in Saskatchewan, and enjoys sharing stories of his community and people with PLATO’s extended family.

What happens at CivicTechYYC?
• Welcome & Introductions
• Guest Speaker
• Update on existing projects
• New project pitch ideas
• Break-off into working groups for remainder of time
• Re-convene to share any progress updates and if you have any requests for support

Want to pitch an idea? We are looking for tech-based solutions to improve the lives of Calgarians. We strive to build tools and applications based on open technology that are free for use. Our projects prioritize the use of technology for public good over private gain. No power point, just you and a few minutes to share your idea.

Find out more about CivicTechYYC at https://civictechyyc.ca/

Geoff Zakaib

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PLATO – Testing Services That Make A Difference

SAIT Campus - Aldred Centre - Tech Hall (CA 415)

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CivicTechYYC - Tech for Good

PLATO – Testing Services That Make A Difference

CivicTechYYC - Tech for Good

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