New Jobs on the Way for PQA Testing and PLATO
FREDERICTON–PQA Testing announced today the creation of 145 new jobs through both PQA Testing and new aboriginal-staffed software testing company, Professional Aboriginal Testing Organization Inc. (PLATO).
PLATO is a software testing company which provides outsourced testing services delivered by aboriginal people to clients throughout North America. The company’s employees are trained through a six month program developed by PQA Testing.
Keith McIntosh, co-CEO of PQA Testing, considers PLATO both a solution to the lack of IT workers in New Brunswick and an aid to aboriginal communities in need of training and employment.
“I came back last June with the idea that we’re going to create our own competition, we’re going to create a software testing company,” McIntosh said.
“By the end of 2018 we’ll have at least 150 aboriginal people testing software in New Brunswick on reserves not just in Fredericton, not just in Miramichi but in other areas across the province and that’s just the starting point.”
Chelsea Griffith has been in the PLATO training program for six weeks. She became interested after her friend completed the program and says the opportunity is one that wouldn’t have been possible for her without PLATO.
“After seeing someone who was successful at it, it made me want to try it myself,” Griffith said. “It was a great opportunity that they were offering this to aboriginal people because I think a lot of us wouldn’t have considered this as a career path otherwise. I wouldn’t have even known where to start. It’s tricky to find employment in my sector here in New Brunswick.”
PLATO currently has 10 employees delivering outsourced testing services following the first class graduating earlier this year. Up to 87 new jobs will be created as more students complete the six-month training program. Up to 58 new jobs will be created at PQA Testing.
PLATO and PQA Testing will receive funding from Opportunities NB in the form of up to $462,000 in payroll rebates for PLATO and up to $520,000 in payroll rebates for PQA Testing. Premier Brian Gallant was in attendance at the announcement to voice the province’s support for PLATO and PQA Testing.