AI Skills Launchpad: upskilling the sector with techNL

The ask

techNL wanted to elevate the tech workforce in Newfoundland & Labrador with applied AI skills, fast. The curriculum had to reflect what employers actually need, not what a syllabus says, and it had to reach working professionals without pulling them away from their jobs.

The program

The Launchpad offered four applied learning workshops covering the most in-demand skills. We developed and delivered three of them: AI for Data Engineering, AI for Data Science & Analytics, and AI for Cybersecurity, with a second training organization delivering the fourth. Employer engagement shaped everything: one-on-one interviews and feedback sessions with employers, validated by Program Advisory Committees that stayed active through development and fed early feedback into revisions.

Delivery was an 18-hour intervention over 12 weeks, one 90-minute hybrid class per week. We ran six cohorts, two per workshop, between November 2025 and March 2026, each opening with orientation, closing with a networking event, and pairing weekly instruction with group project work. From a standing start, the whole program was developed and delivered in under 6 months.

The outcomes

88% of learners reported achieving the goals they set for the program, and 80% reported already using the skills in their current jobs. Participants came from companies across the sector, including Nasdaq Verafin, Vish, and more.

What learners said

"This was by far my favourite class I have ever taken. AI moves quick and the material covered was up to date, relevant and immediately applicable. The structure of the labs was excellent. I would attend this class 3 hours a week year round. I learned a lot and have already applied it at work."

AI for Cybersecurity participant

"Previously I have been just a prompt writer for AI agents in my projects. Now rethinking security just after 2 classes. This will help in my workplace as well."

AI for Cybersecurity participant, Nasdaq Verafin