In partnership with techNL under its Find Your Future in Tech program, ACENET is offering a Certificate in Advanced Computing, designed to provide participants with job-ready skills in advanced computing.

Our program includes both introductory and intermediate level modules designed to enable positions with industry in sectors that require advanced computing technology talent. 

Those completing the program will:

• Have a breadth of advanced computing knowledge and skills;
• Be competent with technical project workflows and documentation;
• Understand the fundamentals of cybersecurity and designing for safety;
• Have confidence in their technical abilities and their ability to learn and grow those skills; 
• Problem solving / critical thinking skills; and
• Have proven their ability to learn new technical tools quickly.

Advanced Computing, or supercomputing, combines fast, large, and powerful computers, storage, and networks with specialized software and methods to perform complex, large-scale simulations, data analysis, modelling, and visualizations. 

It encompasses technologies like High Performance Computing (HPC), artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), big data,  data analytics, and cloud computing. Compared to an average personal computer which may have 8 cores of computing power and a terabyte of storage, advanced computing systems provide many thousands of cores, petabytes of storage, and advanced AI-capable Graphical Processing Units (GPUs), all tied together with a fast specialized network.

Work that would take weeks or months, or may not even be possible using traditional computing methods can be reduced to hours and days. 

Supercomputing is being used to develop new aerospace materials, engineer structures, develop green tech alternatives, map environmental systems, and create new ways of fighting infectious diseases. Areas as wide-ranging as nanotechnology, advanced manufacturing, robotics, oceantech, agritech, augmented reality and health research all increasingly rely on advanced computing - essentially Industry 4.0 smart technologies.

The program is being offered online, with a combination of in-class and self-study, and includes both introductory and intermediate level modules. There are approximately 130 hours of classroom time.  Topics include:

• Programming languages
• Data analytics and visualization
• Advanced computing techniques 
  • High performance computing (HPC)
  • Parallel computing
  • Cloud computing
• Artificial intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Workflows and project tools in technology

You will also be undertaking a capstone project designed to use the skills you’ve learned in a real-world scenario.

If you are a resident of Newfoundland & Labrador, have some knowledge, experience and comfort with computers, and want to develop advanced computing skills to either expand your career prospects or bring new capabilities to your existing position, this program may be for you. 

To see the greatest benefit, you need to both be motivated, and have the capacity and time to augment this program with guided, self-directed learning.

Previous programming experience, while beneficial, is not required. However, you will need to pass a digital literacy test prior to being accepted in the program.

The program is being funded by the Government of Canada. ACENET is not charging fees.

We expect to begin accepting applications in the fall of 2023, with classes to begin in March, 2024. The program will take approximately four months to complete.

All eligible applicants will need to undertake a digital literacy test. There is a maximum capacity of 40 for the program.  

If you have any questions, please contact certification@ace-net.ca 

If you would like to receive more information as it becomes available, including registration information, please complete this form. 

If you would like to receive ACENET’s regular newsletter, which includes other opportunities for skills development, sign up here.

In conjunction with its education program, techNL has launched a Newfoundland & Labrador campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the breadth of opportunity for careers in technology in the province. Funded in part by the Government of Canada's Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, Find Your Future in Tech will provide funded seats across numerous tech programs and certifications hosted by 10 partner organizations to offer training to residents and tech sector employers across the province. 

ACENET is one of techNL's partners in this program. You can learn more and view program offerings from the other partners at FindYourFutureNL.ca