How to make a Geek blush...

Anyone who has ever worked with me knows that I have no problem with a microphone or a crowd. In fact, I enjoy public speaking unlike most people who turn to stone at the thought of getting in front of a crowd. But I do have a weakness… My uncomfortable spot is when people give me recognition. In fact, It makes me blush even if I do appreciate the gesture.

So to my astonishment this morning, I found myself blushing in private as I read on Canadaeast.com that someone had nominated me as a United Way Community Hero for my work with Geeks on Ice. While I do want to emphasize that a Captain is only as good as his team I want to thank the person(s) whom took the time to nominate me.

At this time I also want to thank everyone that has helped Geeks on Ice become a pillar of the community over the last 5 years.

Article: http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/news/article/151761

Trevor MacAusland

Geeks on Ice Founder

What to get your Geek for Xmas?

As the holiday season is upon us many loved ones are puzzled as to what they should buy for the Geek in their life. WebbAlert.com has come up with a great list of suggestions. You can view their list by following going here.

If that video didn't help, there's always thinkGeek.com

Last but not least, there's a Geekman action figure is never a bad idea!

Geeks on Ice Cybersocial Summary

Geeks on Ice readies the community to face-off against the digital divide

Last night I had the privilege to share a sneak peek of the new Geeks on Ice vision at the monthly Cybersocial. We shared the list of symptoms many non-profit agencies in our region face due to the digital divide. For those who are not familiar with the term digital divide, it is best described as the gap between those with physical access to technology hardware and, more broadly, skills and resources which allow for its use and those without this access.

Attendees heard me explain how Geeks on Ice have invested in hardware and software upgrades, however; without the access to professional expertise these agencies struggle to maximize the full extent of the equipment we provide. Digital illiteracy is crippling to organizations that have to correspond, collaborate and request funding through the electronic forum of the participation age.

To respond to an obvious gap to the Geeks on Ice mandate, our vision committee reinvented the mission to purchase computer equipment and software using funds raised through the annual hockey tournament, offer professional expertise to member agencies and promote community collaboration. In short, Geeks on Ice will not stop skating until the digital divide is eliminated!

In order to fill the need for professional expertise, the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB was on hand to collect names of volunteers ready to be Geek Warriors who will serve on the front lines in our battle to defeat the digital divide in our communities. These heroes, individuals and organizations, will provide a few hours of their time to lend their professional expertise to local member agencies.

Participants were also very enthusiastic to hear that Geeks on Ice wants to see the group of volunteers evolve into a formal committee which will work towards the creation of a Geek University where not only the non-profit sector benefits from workshops and mentoring, but where small to medium sized organizations can also participate in the process to help our entire economy overcome the challenges caused by the digital divide.

If you are interested in learning more about the Geek Warriors or Geeks on Ice, please send all inquiries to geeksonice@gmail.com.

Click here to download a copy of our Cybersocial presentation.

Lead The Fight Against Digital Illiteracy

When the province released its much anticipated Non-Profit Task Force report, few who have volunteered for non-profit agencies were surprised by the findings. Access to consistent funding, professional resources and cost overruns have long been issues that have limited the efficiency and productivity of organizations whom provide key services to the community. Services offered by New Brunswick’s non-profit sector are keys to creating an environment of support to our workforce which results in a positive contribution to the province’s economy.

Among one of the key findings in the report was the topic of illiteracy and the challenges this epidemic posses to our economic development. While illiteracy in our province must be addressed in order for this province to reach its goal of self-sufficiency, there is another obstacle that will hinder our role in the global economy if it not addressed. Digital illiteracy is caused by a digital divide between those with physical access to technology hardware and, more broadly, skills and resources which allow for its use and those without this access.

Through a partnership with the United Way of Greater Moncton and Souhteastern NB region, Geeks on Ice has invested in over $15,000 in member agencies in an effort to help close the gap caused by the digital divide in our region. Other organizations, Like the Rogers call center, have donated refurbished computer equipment no longer being used to assist in the fight against a growing divide.

While investment in computer equipment and software has provided agencies a level playing field in relation to technology hardware investment there still remains a knowledge gap for their volunteers, employees and customers to leverage the investment. Digital illiteracy exists among all sectors of our economy and threatens our economic competitiveness on a global stage.

If we confront digital illiteracy, a domino effect will take place in the province that will encourage organizations to embrace the participation age. One digitally literate the community will be able to collaborate with their peers across the globe and reduce operating expenses through the use of open source technologies which enhances our economic competitiveness.

Identification of a digital divide has led Geeks on Ice to challenge the ICT sector to play a front line role in combating this enemy of self-sufficiency. We are asking professionals and organizations who can contribute to the fight to eliminate the digital divide to attend the upcoming Cybersocial this Wednesday evening at City Hall beginning at 5pm. With your knowledge and resources we can bridge the digital divide in our community and set an example for the rest of the world to follow.

Trevor MacAusland

Founder

Geeks on Ice

Wanted: IT professionals

N.B. companies on recruitment mission with jobs in hand

By Kate Wright
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Saturday November 3rd, 2007
Appeared on page B1

OTTAWA - Over a dozen New Brunswick companies will descend on the nation's capital later this month with jobs in hand, looking to repatriate skilled New Brunswick IT workers.


In a joint effort by the New Brunswick's Enterprise Networks and the province's Population Growth Secretariat, New Brunswick companies will host an IT recruitment job fair Nov. 15 in Ottawa.

The fair will be in Montreal on Nov. 14.

Employers will have jobs in hand for IT professionals interested in coming to the Maritimes -- or coming back home.

John Thompson, executive director of Enterprise Greater Moncton, said Enterprise Networks across the province were hearing from member companies that recruiting skilled IT workers was becoming increasingly difficult.

Through consultation with employers, Montreal and Ottawa were identified as destinations with the greatest number of potential candidates for recruitment to the New Brunswick IT sector.

Through this mission, employers will have the opportunity to promote themselves and speak directly with experienced IT professionals, alumni and recent graduates.

"These companies have real jobs available now and by filling them now, we're also opening opportunities for future investment," he said. "If we could fill those, there is the potential for other investments to come into the region."

After a lull in the IT sector over the past few years, the industry has rebounded. In New Brunswick, the IT sector has grown rapidly, leaving a number of new positions to be filled.

While the industry is booming and the province is experiencing healthy growth in new start-ups, Thompson said recruiting bright minds from central Canada, and encouraging New Brunswickers to reconsider work in their home province sends a strong message to the rest of the country.

"We're here in New Brunswick, we have jobs available, there are opportunities here and we want you to have another look," he said. "Even if we recruit one or two people, it's a success.

"There are areas where we can help companies grow and create long-term viability within the region."

Thompson said the mission will be set up like a job fair, with employers eagerly looking to hire.

"I think people will be pleasantly surprised," he said.

Atlantic Lottery Corporation spokeswomen Paula Dyke said many companies in the region are struggling to fill their labour requirements and the company jumped at the chance to expand their recruitment base by looking outside the province.

Like many New Brunswick companies, she said there are challenges in recruiting strong IT professionals and going directly to the talent pool is the best way to recruit the brightest minds.

"Going there means we are able to answer questions first hand and sell the advantages of our company," she said. "At the end of the day we are able to look at pockets of talent and are able to recruit people who have maybe never been to New Brunswick, or are New Brunswickers interested in coming home."

But the mission is also being treated as a way to grow the province's population and encourage New Brunswickers to reconsider employment in their home province.

Business New Brunswick Minister Greg Byrne, who also head's the province Population Growth Secretariat, will also be participating in the job fair.

He said there is major potential in bringing skilled New Brunswickers back home, for both employers and for the province's economy.

"This is the first mission undertaken by the government where we will provide potential recruits and former New Brunswickers with actual job opportunities within a booming sector," Byrne said.

"We expect it to have significant benefits for the province's population growth efforts, which are a key component of our plan to make New Brunswick self-sufficient by 2026."

Byrne is hoping to remind expatriates of the major advantages of living and working in New Brunswick and use that as a selling point.

"It's one of the lowest cost areas to live in terms of housing and amenities," he said. "There are quality of life issues in terms of the amenities we have. We have recreation -- you can be at a beach or on a trail in an hour. We can sell New Brunswick as a good place to do business."

The IT recruitment mission will be held on Nov. 14 in Montreal at the École de technologie supérieure at the Université du Québec and Nov. 15 in Ottawa at the Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Dr. The event will run from noon until 7 p.m.

Every Geeks Fantasy

Wired: Geeks to the Rescue..

I ran across this great article by Clive Thompson (Read Here)which makes a case that "Geeks" like Bill Gates are the right kind of reasoned thinkers that can change the world.

To date, Geeks on Ice has focused on a regional mission to reduce the digital divide of our non-profits to help the less fortunate. Throughout this time I have observed the mindset of Geeks and agree with Clive that we have a very high level and pragmatic method of raising awareness for a cause and contributing large sums of money to help that cause.

Tell us what you think...

Link to article: http://www.wired.com/techbiz/people/magazine/15-09/st_thompson

Thursday Night Results

Team	Goals	Team	Goals
Services Canada	10	Minacs One	1
Speilo Two	4	Minacs Two	2
Whitehill	2	Dovico	6
Firehawks	4	Assomption Vie	9

Geeks on Ice would like to thank its 2007 sponsors Whitehill Technologies, Inc., G4 Tech TV, Government of New Brunswick, Wild Rose Inn, Career Beacon, YourTeamOnline.ca and Rising Stars. Prize donors include Red Bull, Aliant, Atlantic Superstore and NRC.

Dear Jim...

Dear Mr. Balsillie,

RIM’s deadline to register a team in the annual Geeks on Ice hockey tournament has now passed. It is regrettable that we have not received a response from you or an associate at RIM regarding your intentions. Our committee of volunteers does realize your schedule and pressing business concerns might have conflicted with the urgency for a response to our invitation.

The personal invitations from dozens of community leaders still stands. You can read each letter on our website at: www.GeeksonIce.com.

I want to reinforce our desire to have you participate in our special event. While team registration has passed and all 16 team slots have been filled, we do have openings for free agent players to take the ice with a registered Geeks on Ice team. If you are looking to connect with your inner child and take a break from your busy work schedule, I can guarantee that skating in our hockey tournament will provide you the opportunity to do so.

Our group has come under criticism that the “Draft Jim from Rim” campaign is just a thinly veiled attempt to ask for charitable donations or lobby for work. I assure you that our decision to launch a campaign was solely based on the “coolness” factor of skating next to Jim Balsillie. As a benefit to your reputation, we do realize that your participation would also attract the attention of the general public to help change the perception of our industry’s image throughout Atlantic Canada.

Do not miss this great opportunity to meet hundreds of technology professionals and connect with your inner child. We would appreciate the consideration of a response from you or an associate regarding your intentions. I can be reached by telephone at (506) 855-0005 or by email at tmacausland@gmail.com.


Thank you,

Trevor Macausland
Founder of Geeks on Ice
geeksonice@gmail.com

www.GeeksonIce.com

Geek Community Needs Signatures

In January, the Moncton Technology Planning Group and the City of Moncton released the results of an extensive study on accelerating Moncton’s technology-based growth and entrepreneurship (PDF). Several challenges were identified in the study. Some challenges identified were recruitment and retention, the launch of start-ups, post-secondary education, career expansion, limited national and international visibility and a lack of common vision, branding and strategic plan.

Our committee was encouraged by the leadership displayed by Councillor Doug Robertson and the Moncton Technology Planning Group on the issues facing our local technology cluster. Our team immediately explored ways to the group address the challenges of visibility and branding of our beloved region.

In response to the report, Geeks on Ice launched the “Draft Jim from RIM” letter writing campaign in January to coincide with the launch of our 2007 hockey tournament and fundraising campaign. The objective of the “Draft Jim from Rim” campaign is to convince Research in Motion (Blackberry) co-CEO Jim Balsillie to participate in our April event. His acceptance would enable our region to showcase our technology industry to one of the most powerful individuals in the IT world as well as attract national and international interests.

We have enlisted the services of several key business and community leaders in this campaign and it is now time to ask the public for their assistance. Having our entire community rally behind the campaign would convince Mr. Balsillie that the Greater Moncton region and New Brunswick is serious about creating a sustainable technology cluster in our region. Even if you have not formal ties to the technology industry, we are asking you to sign our online petition requesting Jim Balsillie’s presence at the April Geeks on Ice event. Our goal is to get a minimum of 500 signatures.

Signing the petition takes only a couple of seconds and could be the final key to get Jim to come to Moncton. The petition can be found on our website www.GeeksonIce.com under the Draft Jim from RIM section.

Let’s show the world that Moncton and New Brunswick is technology driven and geek powered!

Trevor Macausland
Co-chair and Founder
Geeks on Ice
Moncton, NB

Draft Jim from RIM **Update**

Many readers have inquired on the progress of our GOI "Draft Jim and RIM" letter writting campaign since we announced we announced it in January.

The campaign has no doubt captured the attention of the local media and the public who want to know if Jim has accepted our invitation. Over a dozen letters have been sent to Mr. Balsillie by local business and political leaders in an attempt to convince the technology icon to register a team in the April event. Some of our letters can be found on this website under the Draft Jim and RIM section to the right of this entry. More will be uploaded soon.

To date we have not heard from Mr. Balsillie regarding his interests in the event. Our committee did expect a slow response, since there are many factor for him to consider before replying to our February 28th deadline. When we launched the campaign, we knew that Mr. Balsillie, recognized by Time magazine as a Builder and Titan of the global business world in 2005, has an extensive schedule that may conflict with our event. Regardless, we are confident that his silence thus far is due to his interest in our event and that he might be trying to work his schedule around the Geeks on Ice dates.

We will keep reaching out to Jim Balsillie with letters, by telephone and email to press him for an answer. Rumour has it that our "little" campaign has even peaked the interest of the Business NB Minister...

In an effort to step up our campaign, we would like to invite the public to sign our online petition to ask Jim Balsillie to attend our April event.

You can sign the petition at: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/draftjim/

Keep checking the website for updates...

Property Guys Ready to Defend

Gair Maxwell interviews Property Guys CEO Ken Leblanc about his thoughts on the 2007 edition of his Geeks on Ice team and their chances of repeating. Send us your team's YouTube videos if you want to issue a challenge or make other teams take notice!

GREATER MONCTON UNITED WAY GETS GEEKY FOR 2007 EVENT

MONCTON, NB, JANUARY 19, 2007: Geeks on Ice and the United Way of Greater Moncton have announced a formal partnership for 2007. The group of local technology professionals and organizations will work with the non-profit community agency to meet the increasing demand for updated computers, hardware equipment and software products, in charitable non-profit community organizations in the region. In 2006, Geeks on Ice delivered on their promise to Moncton based Support for Single Parents, Inc. The group acquired $4000.00 worth of technology through in-kind donations and approximately $2000.00 in funds, to help the organization with their everyday operations.

"The United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB Region is extremely proud to be partnering with the 2007 Geeks on Ice. It is a wonderful opportunity to raise funds, and valuable computer resources that many of our community agencies simply do not have
the ability to acquire", explains Debbie McInnis, Executive Director of the United Way. "We strongly support the Geeks on Ice mission. Sharing expertise across sectors greatly benefits our region and is instrumental in building healthy vibrant communities".

This year’s event will feature 16 teams from across Atlantic Canada playing a total of twenty-seven hours of hockey accompanied by Geekfest, an annual networking event. One of the three objectives for event organizers is to serve as a fundraising mechanism for non-profit organizations. Several Greater Moncton United Way affiliated agencies have already submitted their request for new desktop and laptop computers, printers, wireless routers, LCD projectors and software.

“We’ve identify a tremendous technology deficit among our local non-profit sector. Using their expertise our participants, sponsors and committee members can help overcome those hurdles.”, says Trevor Macausland, founder of Geeks on Ice. “For most agencies it is a struggle to find balance between the delivery of key services with out-dated technology. Our objective is to make technology an accelerator, not a barrier to building a better community”.

The United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB and Geeks on Ice are asking the business community and the public for donations, in the form of monetary contributions, or in-kind technology donations, to meet requirements set by local agencies. Team registration for the hockey tournament is also open to any technology related organization wishing to enter a team. Registration deadline is February 28th.

Any inquiries concerning sponsorship, donations, registration or media relations can be sent to geeksonice@gmail.com. For more information on the event, please visit www.GeeksonIce.com or http://www.gmsenbunitedway.ca/.
-End-


(Version Française)

Geeks want to skate with Balsillie

DAVID SHIPLEY
Telegraph-Journal
Published Monday February 5th, 2007
Appeared on page B1


A high-tech hockey tournament in New Brunswick is hoping to draft a top player.

But organizers aren't looking for an NHL-quality ringer.

Instead, they're interested in someone who's more famous for building his communications company into a household name than he is for hockey skills. The Geeks on Ice have set their sights on Jim Balsillie, chief executive officer of Research in Motion and an avid hockey enthusiast. ....

For the rest of the article click here
Download PDF version
or pick up a copy of the Telegraph Journal

Draft Jim and RIM Campaign

Geeks looking to bring RIM CEO Jim Balsillie to Moncton for April hockey tournament

Moncton, NB – The 2007 Geeks on Ice committee launched a letter writing campaign today called “Draft Jim and RIM”. The goal of the campaign is to gain the attention of RIM Co-CEO and self proclaimed “Hockey Nut” Jim Balsillie. Event organizers plan on sending letters from various local leaders extending an invitation to Mr. Balsillie and his RIM team, the Wireless Warriors, to compete in the annual Moncton based hockey tournament which focuses on Atlantic Canadian IT organizations.

Letters from individuals and groups like MP Brian Murphy, Whitehill CEO Paul McSpurren, propelSJ, Moncton Technology Partners and Fatkat Animation President Gene Fowler are being sent to RIM headquarters in Waterloo, Ont.

“Our goal here is to leverage Mr. Balsillie’s passion for the game of hockey and technology by extending a personal invitation.” said Trevor Macausland, founder of Geeks on Ice. “This is our way of welcoming Research in Motion to the neighbourhood while also profiling our Atlantic Canada’s cluster of IT firms to an international technology industry icon.”.

Organizers have reserved a spot for Mr. Balsillie in the 16 team tournament should he decide to accept the community invitation by the February 28th deadline. The tournament is taking place at the Moncton 4Plex from April 19th to April 22nd and proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Greater Moncton United Way.

Updates on the “Draft Jim and RIM” campaign and tournament will be posted to www.GeeksonIce.com. The Geeks committee has also stated that they may ask the public for help in convincing Jim Balsillie to attend.

For inquiries about the “Draft Jim and Rim” campaign, tournament details or media inquiries send your request to geeksonice@gmail.com.

-END-

***Update: Here's proof that Mr. Balsillie is a self proclaimed "Hockey Nut".***

Version française se suivre

GOI Registration Fee Announced

Geeks on Ice committee co-chairs Randy Delorey and Trevor Macausland are pleased to announce that the cost to register a team for the 2007 Geeks on Ice hockey tournament will remain the same as the previous year despite increases to the operating budget.

This year's fee will be $800.00 per team which covers 3 games, officials, liability insurance and prizes. Details on how to register as well as the official dates will be announced shortly. Stay tuned!

Public Information Session Notes

The 2007 Geeks on Ice committee held a public information kick off meeting on December 19th, 2006.

Download Presentation

Here is a summary of the key points that were discussed at the kick off session:

1. Our number one objective is to organize a successful and fun hockey tournament, which fulfills our mission

a. To promote health and wellness (among IT professionals & the community)
b. To promote networking (of IT professionals)
c. To raise money for a local-non profit organization (to support an IT related project / need, such as new hardware / software)

2. While fulfilling our mission another objective should be reached, which is to promote the IT Industry in Atlantic Canada

3. Notes about the Committee Architecture

Appeals Official - A new role for 2007, to act as a neutral ombudsman for major complaints that come up during the tournament, and also to implement any disciplinary sanctions that may be required. Note: Per official tournament rules the on ice officials calls are final, however the Appeals Official will be in a position to take additional actions, if deemed appropriate.

Registration - A suggestion was made that we should identify a specific role for managing registration, on the day of the tournament. We will discuss further at our first committee meeting in the New Year.

4. Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Geeks on Ice 2007 will require additional support at various times leading up to and during the tournament. Such roles include:

Marketing Assistants - People to assist with obtaining and coordinating sponsorship and promotions.

Geek Ambassadors - People to represent the committee at the tournament and the Geekfest social; Go-To people, to answer questions and resolve issues as first point of contact for participants and observers.

Time Keepers - People to manage the clock during the hockey games.

Stats Officials - People to track, update, and post game statistics during the tournament.

First Aid - Have previously used Saint John Ambulance services, and would be interested in pursuing this relationship again in 2007. May also consider Red Cross or other First Aid providers.

Webmaster - A person to take responsibility for keeping the GeeksOnIce.com website updated with tournament and IT related content.

5. Committee Meeting - We plan to schedule our first committee meeting in early January, once the Co-Chairs and Treasurer have met to discuss budget.

If you have any questions about how the comittee is progressing, please contact:

Randy Delorey
Geeks On Ice 2007 Co-Chair
randy.delorey@gmail.com

Geeks on Ice to Hold Public Information Session

Co-Committee Chairs Announced

Moncton – Several key vacancies on the Geeks on Ice committee have now been filled, and the event team is looking forward to its 4th anniversary. The committee will host a public information session for those who are interested in working as volunteers at, or would like to learn more about, the April event.

The public information session will take place on Tuesday, December 19th beginning at 5:00 PM. The location of the session will be:

Whitehill Technologies (Large Boardroom)
260 McNaughton Ave.
Moncton, NB
(In Caledonia Industrial Park)

The committee is asking anyone who wants to attend personally or by conference call to confirm their attendance by sending an email to tmacausland@gmail.com or phone 852-8096.

Geeks on Ice is an annual 16 team ice hockey tournament held in Moncton. Each team is a representative of a company that is either IT driven and/or Geek powered. Teams that have participated in the past include: Property Guys, Whitehill Technologies, Brovada, Evolving Solutions, Sports Direct, Xerox, Gtech, OAOT, and Assomption Vie.

The event has three goals. To promote health and wellness within the provincial ICT sector, promote networking among peers, and raise money for non-profit organizations to purchase or upgrade their computer equipment and peripherals. Since 2003, the event has raised approximately $10,000 for local non-profit organizations and charities.

The popularity of Geeks on Ice has created a buzz at the local and national levels. The tournament has doubled in size since 2003 and will be featured nationally on the Outdoor Life Network’s Road Hockey Rumble.

In related news, Geeks on Ice founder Trevor Macausland has announced that Michael Nied will return as Tournament Logistics Chair, Denis Gaudet will serve as Geekfest Chair while Randy Delorey has accepted the role of Tournament Co-Chair.

“I am excited about the mix of experience and new ideas from the team we have thus far. Our team will focus on making Geeks on Ice a must attend event which will contribute to the continued growth of this phenomenal event.” said Macausland.

Please visit our website at www.GeeksonIce.com for updates or more information. If you are interested in attending the public session, please contact Trevor Macausland at tmacausland@gmail.com or call (506) 852-8096.

Anticipation of 1,700 New ICT Jobs in 5 Years

I opened up my mail this morning to read the following press release from PropelSJ. This is indeed great news for the ICT sector and a positive outlook on the next 5 years for the province of NB.

--Trevor

Anticipation of 1,700 New Jobs in 5 Years; ICT Industry optimistic about its future according to new survey commissioned by propelsj

Saint John, New Brunswick, November 15, 2006 – The ICT sector in Saint John is developing steadily and needs to be prepared for further growth.

propelsj, an ICT industry association, raised the question on availability of future human resources capital in this sector both in Saint John and in the Province, and is ready to facilitate the process leading to a better understanding of supply and demand requirements for the future.

The Qualifications Needs Survey distributed online among 312 companies in New Brunswick in August/September 2006 assessed the demand of skills in the ICT sector in New Brunswick and was the first step to accomplish this.

According to Jeff White, propelsj President, "The mood of the ICT industry appears to be enormously optimistic, we need to ensure that all political, financial, and educational partners and resources are working together to be ready for this anticipated growth. This is good news for the ICT industry."

The 2006 Qualifications Need Survey was distributed online during August and September to firms in the ICT sector throughout the province. Of more than 300 firms provided with the survey, 25% responded and completed the survey with cumulative employment of 6,306 people (1,215 in Saint John). There is a positive perception among respondents about future growth of this sector in the province of New Brunswick for new employment; around 1,700 jobs will be created in the ICT sector in the Province in the next five years; most of these, 1,303, would be in Saint John. Over 600 positions will be created in Saint John in the next two years; a 132% increase. There will be approximately 40 positions at a managerial level in the next two years, and 100 more on a five years perspective.

Software Engineers, Computer Programmers, and Information Systems Business Analysts ranked high on the "wish list" of the ICT firms. About half of these new positions would require some undergraduate degree, particularly in Engineering, with the other half requiring at least a Community College Diploma. Project management expertise and certification ( e.g. Project Management Institute) are expected for engineering level or Business Analysts positions.

Dr. Henryk Sterniczuk, UNBSJ MBA Director and a propelsj Board Member, helped to develop the survey and create the report and points out that "this is an incentive for both academia and industry to further coordinate their activities and balance the supply and demand for the right set of skills and knowledge." Dr. Sterniczuk added, "We have an amazing opportunity here and we need to make sure it has all of the right conditions to grow. The growth and energy in this dynamic sector is very positive and we should take advantage of it as a community."

While the survey did not focus on obtaining deeper information on the local supply of ICT resources from the advanced educational institutes, more analysis and collaboration is required with all stakeholders, including government and industry, to help prepare for what could be a potential shortage of qualified resources if the trend continues.

Jeff Roach, Executive Director of propelsj's Catalict accelerator concluded that "The introduction of Catalict as a program to stimulate and support start ups and early stage ICT businesses should increase demand for more ICT personnel."

The survey findings correlate well with the findings of the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) which were shared with Atlantic Canadian audiences in the past few weeks at events in Halifax that show:

• There are over 600,000 Canadians employed in the ICT space.
• There is roughly 2% unemployment in the sector for candidates with relevant skills (compared to roughly 8% in all industries across Canada)
• There will be a demand of 90,000 new employees in the sector over the next four years.

propelsj will distribute the 2006 Qualifications Need Survey Report to its partners and stakeholders in the province and will make it available at http://propelsj.com.

--
propelsj - surge ahead
http://propelsj.com / 506.642.9029