NEC acknowledges the ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the host Nations xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔ/selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Program Description
The Information Technology Support Technician (ITST) program is a 28-week journey designed to propel your career in technology or provide a stepping stone for specialized studies. We pride ourselves on being a values-driven institution, where Indigenous principles and the traditional Host Nations’ Longhouse Values are seamlessly integrated into our curriculum and teaching, enriching your learning experience. By the end of this program, you will not only be exceptionally prepared for real-world experience but also emerge as a leader in your career journey. Topics covered on this journey include but are not limited to hardware, operating systems, software troubleshooting, networking, security, virtualization, and cloud computing. Immerse yourself in our entirely online program, offering flexibility for your learning environment. Engage in five-hour sessions, five days a week, covering all the essentials required for a tech career —from the comfort of your chosen space.
Program Highlights
- Duration: 28 weeks
- Delivery Method: Online Synchronous
Note: Synchronous distance delivery means students attend classes virtually in ‘real time’ with instructors and classmates. - Intakes:
– Fall 2025 - Schedule: This program is full-time, Monday to Friday 09:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
WHY CHOOSE ITST?
Because tech careers are built through relationships—not just classes.
In the ITST program, students gain real‑world tech experience, industry connections, and mentorship from Indigenous leaders in the field. Through partnerships with TECHNATION, students learn what it means to work in tech, how to navigate professional spaces, and how to see themselves as future professionals.
What sets ITST apart:
- Indigenous‑led mentorship from industry leaders
- Direct exposure to real tech workplaces and employers
- Career‑ready skills: networking, communication, and professional branding
- Clear pathways from education to employment
This is hands‑on, culturally grounded, industry‑connected learning.
“Our students are mentored by Indigenous professionals who are leaders in their fields—people who understand the tech industry and what it takes to succeed as Indigenous people within it.”
Industry Connections. Indigenous Leadership. Real Pathways.
ITST students participate in the TECHNATION Indigenous Mentorship Initiative, where all mentors are Indigenous tech professionals and leaders. Students build confidence, explore career pathways, attend industry events, visit real workplaces, and develop professional skills that employers value.
This experience helps students graduate career‑ready, connected, and confident.
The ITST program embeds structured, Indigenous‑led industry mentorship through the TECHNATION Indigenous Mentorship Initiative. Students engage with Indigenous professionals who are established leaders in the technology sector, supporting:
1) Increased student confidence and professional readiness
2) Stronger understanding of industry expectations
3) Clearer pathways from training to
employment
4) Retention and motivation through relational, culturally grounded support
This model strengthens workforce readiness while advancing Indigenous representation and leadership in technology.
Career Pathways After Graduation
NEC has an active relationship with ICBC, which is currently recruiting Indigenous graduates into roles across their organization. ITST graduates may be considered for paid internship opportunities, with the possibility of direct employment. Graduates who are not hired immediately may be placed into an ICBC talent pool and contacted as new job opportunities become available — creating ongoing pathways into meaningful, well‑paid careers.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The Information Technology Support Technician certificate program provides training for entry into the Workplace Technology Support Specialist position. In this occupation, you may use established systems and protocols to install, troubleshoot and configure enterprise computer software and network devices. You may also deliver online presence and support for medium and small businesses. Other names for this occupation are Help Desk Technician, IT Specialist Hardware, Technician Technical and Customer Support Specialist, Field service technician.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
1) Through Indigenous pedagogy and ways of knowing, you will explore experiential learning strategies to successfully set up and maintain workplace technology user systems.
2) Collaborate and establish effective professional lines of communication.
3)Support organizations in maintaining network technology infrastructure.
We are committed to providing a welcoming and culturally safe environment where students can thrive on their educational journey.
Authentic Indigenous Academic Programs and Curriculum
Prevention of Genocide - Critical and Cultural Thought Processes
Holistic Wrap Around Supports
COURSE OFFERINGS
| TECH 100 | Workplace Communication |
| TECH 105 | Online Presence & Collaboration Tools |
| TECH 106 | Introduction to Network & Server Administration |
| TECH 110 | Client Computer Configuration |
| TECH 115 | Technology Workplace Professionalism |
| TECH 120 | System Deployment & Provisioning (Hands-on Training) |
Admission Requirements
Highschool Admission
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Evidence that three years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8–12), or two years if Grades 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages.
- Grade 12 Diploma. Minimum “C+” grade in English 12
- 18 years or older
- Accuplacer Score (Reading 245 and Writing 245)
- Completed written assessment with a “C+”
tuition and fees
| Tuition: | $6,052 |
| Application Fee: | $75 |
| Administration Fee: | $75 |
| Text Books: | $707 |
| Course Materials: | $1,300 |
| Other: | $322 |
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU)of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. https://www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca/
Longhouse Values
These original laws are embedded in every aspect of our House. They invite cultural identity and selfdetermination of Indigenous Peoples, which empowers learners to advance their unique personal and educational goals.
- Diversity
- Respect
- Understanding
- Gratitude
- Accountability