Web Archive
November 18, 2013
For immediate release
IT Garage video game and software interns to meet industry leaders
Innovation PEI
“We have seven promising participants in our IT Garage program and we want to give them a chance to meet with industry leaders and explore opportunities. The IT Garage Industry Networking Luncheon will let them sit down over a bowl of chili and talk about ways this new talent can contribute to IT and video gaming businesses in Prince Edward Island,” said Minister Roach. “This is a great chance for individuals and companies to plan for their future.”
The event will be held on November 22 at the Pourhouse (second floor of the Old Triangle) in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m. It will also provide industry members with an update on the current group of IT Garage participants.
The Innovation and Technology Association of PEI (ITAP) launched the IT Garage program on September 30, giving seven unemployed or underemployed interns in the IT and video game industry a chance enhance their skills, make new network connections, open new career paths, and possibly create their own opportunities.
The IT Garage allows interns to develop either a business application and/or a video game for mobile devices. A second cohort will begin in January 2014 and run until March 2014. Local industry plays a big part in helping the interns and offers hands-on mentoring during each “garage.” The program is based on the Game Garage program offered by industry and by Innovation PEI from 2008 to 2011.
Nick Fenton, IT Garage Coordinator, is overseeing the two teams as they create their products. “I am really excited to be part of this program,” said Fenton. “Going to school we learned about how great the game garage was and it made me really happy to learn that it was coming back. This is a huge benefit to young people fresh out of college, it helps us make vital connections and showcase what we do to potential employers.”
This opportunity for young IT professionals is made possible by many partners: The Sync Youth Internship Program, Innovation PEI, ACOA Business Development Program, ITAP, as well as the local PEI industry.
