ITPRO celebrates its second cohort of graduates

Thanks to the IT Professionals Development Program (ITPRO), 11 more SSC employees gained critical skills and experience that will help provide them with the tools and knowledge required to advance their careers.

ITPRO, developed for indeterminate and term employees at the IT-01, IT-02 and IT-03 levels, offers a structured path focused on technical and behavioural skills. It helps participants learn more about themselves, identify their development priorities and build a personalized plan that can guide them throughout their careers.

The program is helpful in a number of ways, says Patrick St-Jean, Senior Advisor, Enterprise Architecture, Chief Technology Officer Branch (CTOB), who is preparing for a promotion to the IT-04 level. “People can get a sense of the work by doing the job while managers find out if you are a good fit before making any hiring decisions, which I think is one of the best things about the program.”

The program also offers an opportunity for managers to evaluate employees differently. “Not everybody interviews well,” adds St-Jean. “People who are uncomfortable talking about themselves get seen doing the job and can demonstrate they have the competencies required for the position.”

Throughout the program, which ran from May to November 2025, participants were supported by their managers, mentors, program advisors and peers. This approach reinforces a culture of learning, inclusion and recognition at SSC.

“ITPRO celebrates not only technical skills but also the development of leadership, confidence and mentoring among our employees. It’s an essential lever for ensuring the growth of our IT talent and we’d like to congratulate all the graduates of the second cohort,” said Paul Fraser, an IT Career Centre manager.

As SSC focuses on developing internal talent, ITPRO will play a key role in preparing the next generation of IT professionals at SSC.

Interested in the ITPRO program? To join the next cohort, stay tuned for the call for applications in March. For a career consultation, email the IT Career Centre at ITCareerCentre-CentredecarriereTI@ssc-spc.gc.ca and advance your journey in IT!

ITPRO 2025 graduates

• Patrick St-Jean, IT-04, Senior Advisor, Enterprise Architecture, CTOB
• Devon Cardiff, IT-02, Software Solutions, Connectivity and Security Services Branch (CSSB)
• Danik Carré, IT-02, IT Security, CSSB
• Le Michel Nguyen, IT-02, IT Security, CSSB
• Ankush Bhargava, IT-02, Business Line Advisory Services, CSSB
• Owen Billo, IT-02, Infrastructure Operations, CTOB
• Mona Elias, IT-03, Technical Advisor, Business Line Advisory Services, Digital Services Branch (DSB)
• Gena Richard, IT-03, Team Lead, Enterprise Architecture, CTOB
• Eric Rochon, IT-04, Manager, Infrastructure Operations, DSB
• Alison Smith, IT-03, Technical Advisor, Infrastructure Operations, CSSB
• Mario Shebib, IT-02, IT Enterprise Architecture, CTOB