Soldiers in Tech offers free digital training to Ontario veterans

The Roland Gossage Foundation has announced the return of its Soldiers in Tech initiative, providing free digital skills training to veterans, reservists, and military families in Ontario.

Soldiers in Tech, a programme run by the Roland Gossage Foundation in partnership with Lighthouse Labs, offers comprehensive courses designed to help the military community transition to civilian life by gaining skills necessary for today's digital economy.

Programme delivery

Participants in the initiative can opt for either an intensive 12-week bootcamp or a 30-week flexible programme, depending on their individual needs and schedules. The scheme combines hands-on technical training with career support and mental health resources to assist learners as they prepare for roles in the tech sector.

Courses on offer through Soldiers in Tech include web development, cyber security, data analytics, and data science. These courses cover skills relevant to a range of industries, including eCommerce, healthcare, supply chain management, defence, finance, energy, logistics, and public services.

The web development track provides full-stack training in modern web technologies, while the cyber security curriculum focuses on protecting digital infrastructure across various sectors. Data analytics aims to help learners derive actionable insights from raw data, and the data science course teaches participants to build predictive models and identify innovation-driving patterns.

Support for veterans and families

Roland Gossage, Founder of the Roland Gossage Foundation, described the programme's fifth year as a continuation of the charity's commitment to its community:

"The Roland Gossage Foundation is thrilled to bring Soldiers in Tech back for a fifth year. Whether you're a veteran transitioning to civilian life, a spouse seeking new career opportunities, or a reservist balancing service with professional growth, our programs are designed to support learners at all levels by combining industry-relevant skills with hands-on experience. We deeply value the transferable skills, experiences, and contributions of military personnel who have served this country, and we're proud to help veterans and their families confidently embark on new career paths in technology and beyond."

The programme is open to post-service Canadian military veterans, the spouses of veterans, and reservists who reside in Ontario. It aims to provide accessible entry into digital careers without financial barriers, offering additional resources such as wellness support and career coaching.

Lighthouse Labs partnership

Lighthouse Labs, a technology training provider, is responsible for delivering the curriculum. Jeremy Shaki, Chief Executive Officer of Lighthouse Labs, reiterated the organisation's aim to train new entrants for the growing tech sector:

"As the world undergoes rapid digital transformation, people are turning to the tech sector to find more creative and rewarding career opportunities. At Lighthouse Labs, we're excited to continue our participation in Soldiers in Tech as the training provider to help veterans acquire new skills, expand their career opportunities, and pursue fulfilling roles in web development, cyber security, data analysis, and data science. By providing accessible training and an abundance of career resources, we're also pleased to bring new talent to Ontario's growing tech sector."

This digital skills training programme is funded by Employment Ontario with support from the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. The next 30-week cohort begins on 9 June 2025, while the following 12-week intensive bootcamp starts on 23 June 2025. Additional courses are scheduled for July and August 2025.

The Roland Gossage Foundation continues to focus on improving the lives of military personnel and their families as they navigate the challenges of entering the civilian workforce. Through Soldiers in Tech and other programmes, the foundation provides veterans with resources and guidance to find success in new careers beyond military service.