'We're really eager to connect with women in technology that are looking to re-enter the workforce'
In looking to hire 1,000 tech workers in North America, BMO Financial Group has several initiatives in the works to entice top talent.
“Whether it's cybersecurity, whether it's financial crimes, data, AI, or innovation, IT operations, you name it; we have amazing opportunities for anyone in the digital and tech space,” says Rebecca Tascona, head of business to customer platforms strategy and operations, North American Personal, Business Banking & Wealth Management, BMO Financial Group, in speaking with Canadian HR Reporter.
Previously, IBM, PwC and Microsoft also announced their hiring plans.
Recently, BMO signed a “Founding Partner” sponsorship of the Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN) to connect with Black tech professionals and create a community focused on growth.
In January, the company also teamed up with PLATO – Canada's only Indigenous-led and Indigenous-staffed IT services and training firm – to offer the Amazon Web Services (AWS) re/Start program virtually to Indigenous students across Canada.
“We're basically virtually training Indigenous students all across Canada,” says Tascona. “Twenty-two students from across Canada in some remote communities joined a 12-week cloud computing boot camp and followed up after with a six-month BMO internship to learn and apply the skills on the job. And then there are opportunities for full time employment.”
BMO is also advocating for female representation in tech. Currently, more than 40 per cent of its senior leaders are women.
“We have many women in technology leaders… but we understand the need to continue to accelerate women in STEM careers and in the technology space,” says Tascona.
Rebecca Tascona
BMO also has a Women in Technology and Operations Group, and the company pulls sessions for team members to listen to inspiring women in tech.
The company also wants to help women come back to the tech world – especially those who were forced to leave their jobs during the pandemic.
“We’re really eager to connect with women in technology that are looking to re-enter the workforce. We know, through the pandemic, many women had lots of competing priorities. There are many women looking to re-enter the workforce after a break and we want to support them,” she says.
And anyone interested can apply, as the company welcomes new graduates, experienced workers and even those who are looking to reskill and change careers, says Tascona.
Thirty per cent of Canadians say their career goals have changed because of the pandemic and nine per cent plan to make changes to their career, according to a previous report from LifeWorks. Thirty per cent are considering retraining for a different career.
