Selam is a seasoned aviation professional embarking on a new journey in Canada. Even with a college diploma in IT and progressive roles as a cabin crew member and trainer in Addis Ababa, the path to a local entry level job in Information Technology wasn’t well defined until she found the Momentum IT Support Specialist Certificate program and its innovative tuition model.

Participants pay what they can afford up-front, and only pay the tuition balance once they've secured a full-time job. Once employment is secured with the support of Momentum's Employment Facilitators, manageable monthly tuition payments begin. This helps learners like Selam avoid burdensome debt.

It’s hard to say who benefited most from the program—Selam herself, or the colleagues lucky enough to be in her cohort. Famous for saying “We are all going to get through this together; No one gets left behind!”, Selam brought her leadership skills to the fore, and delivered the goods—her cohort was the first in Momentum’s tech training history where the entire group passed the challenging CompTIA exam on the first try.

Indeed, no one was left behind, and Selam was recognized by staff with the Momentum Award—an award that recognizes participants who embody positivity, integrity and compassion, and who actively contribute to their group’s success.

In September 2024, Selam accepted a full-time role in IT at GeologicAI, a Calgary-based technology company. With a role so completely in line with her goals, Selam is on her way, but she’s not going far. Selam has already returned to Momentum as a volunteer speaker for the next incoming cohort. Selam is an incredible example of leadership, dedication and enthusiasm, and our communities and employer partners are lucky to have her!

Are you a woman interested in starting a career in information technology? Intake for our Tech Training for Women program opens October 1st!

Inquire today!