A Launchpad for Student Success: DIVERTEK-Willis College Partnership

How the DIVERTEK-Willis College Partnership is Preparing the Next Generation of IT Professionals

The COVID-19 lockdowns impacted nearly every aspect of our lives – changing how we work, how we connect with one another, and what skills were suddenly in demand. The lockdowns had businesses racing to digitize their operations and support remote workforces, leading to a surge in demand for IT professionals—particularly in roles like IT Analysts, Network Administrators, and CyberSecurity Specialists.

For many of us, the lockdowns were a time of disruption, but for Omar Elmi and Hamza Abdi, the founders of DIVERTEK Solutions, it was also a time for pivoting and adapting. They saw a need to connect IT talent within their networks (many of whom were from underrepresented populations) with the many IT opportunities available.

What started as a small WhatsApp group to share job leads and support one another during the pandemic quickly evolved. By December 2022, that grassroots initiative officially became DIVERTEK Solutions: a mission-driven organization dedicated to connecting talent with the many opportunities in Canada’s tech industry. 

“Our WhatsApp group started with five members and quickly grew to over 970 members from all across Canada,” says co-founder Omar Elmi. “There was clearly a need for a platform that could connect aspiring professionals with the abundance of opportunities that were available in the Canadian tech sector.”

DIVERTEK’s Mission

From the company’s inception, its goal has been clear: to bridge the gap between education and opportunity, especially for newcomers, recent graduates, racialized professionals, and neurodivergent learners who may be at a disadvantage when it comes to recruitment processes.

“Our mission also aligned with the Government of Canada’s Action Plan to Support Black Public Servants,” adds Elmi. “DIVERTEK was born to bridge diverse talent with technology – to not just train people, but to transform lives.”

Through partnerships with global tech leaders like CompTIA, Cisco Networking Academy, Fortinet, and Dell Technologies, DIVERTEK now delivers globally recognized training in IT Support, Networking, Cybersecurity, and Server Administration to marginalized candidates to increase their employability in the field. DIVERTEK is also partnered with Willis College to provide IT students with hands-on experience during their practicum placements.

DIVERTEK Solutions Co-founder Omar Elmi

“A lot of employers look for experience when they are recruiting, but how can students gain experience when no one is willing to take a chance on them?” says co-founder Elmi. “That is part of the reason why we host practicum students – to help them leverage their placements into real opportunities.”

“When they finish their placements, they can say they have gained real hands-on experience,” adds Elmi.

Providing Meaningful and Purposeful Practicum Experiences

DIVERTEK has hosted many Willis College students, providing them with much more than just a placement to fulfill graduation requirements.

“Education should do more than prepare students for exams,” Elmi emphasizes. “It should prepare students to make an impact. At DIVERTEK, we treat every placement like a career launch.”

Students work on real-world projects in fully equipped labs that mirror enterprise IT environments. They are guided not by theory, but by active professionals working in the industry today. From configuring networks to troubleshooting cybersecurity threats, students gain practical skills – and with that, confidence as they enter the workforce.

Each student follows a Career Launch Framework, which blends technical learning, project experience, and career readiness training. From resume writing and interview preparation to leadership coaching, the program ensures graduates are truly workplace-ready.

A Two-Way Street

The relationship between DIVERTEK and Willis College is not just beneficial—it’s symbiotic. Students gain experience, and DIVERTEK gains talent, fresh perspectives, and an evolving connection to the future of the tech industry. With practicum students as additional resources, DIVERTEK has been able to expand operations while maintaining quality service delivery.

Many former practicum students have joined the company full-time, becoming instructors or project leads themselves. The partnership also furthers DIVERTEK’s commitment to diversity, welcoming women, career changers, and newcomers into the tech industry.

“By mentoring students, we’re not just helping them succeed,” says Elmi. “We’re building the workforce that will lead Canada’s digital future.”

A Call to Other Employers

DIVERTEK’s message to other tech employers is clear: hosting students isn’t just an act of goodwill—it’s a strategic advantage.

“Students bring energy and innovation,” Elmi says. “They challenge us to stay current, and in return, they gain the experience that launches careers. Some of our best team members started as practicum students.”

“When you invest in students,” he adds, “you invest in innovation, in progress, and in people—the foundation of every great tech company.”

Building the Future, Together

The partnership between DIVERTEK and Willis College is a powerful example of what’s possible when education and industry work hand in hand. With shared values, mutual respect, and a focus on real-world results, they are together creating opportunities, changing lives, and shaping the future of Canada’s tech workforce.

And for the students who walk through DIVERTEK’s doors, the message is clear: your journey doesn’t end with a diploma—it begins with a purpose.

Become a Practicum Host

Hosting a practicum student from Willis College is more than mentorship – it’s a meaningful opportunity to engage with passionate, ready-to-learn individuals who bring fresh perspectives, energy, and heart to your mission.

Whether you’re an established business or startup, becoming a practicum host allows you to:

• Contribute to workforce development
• Gain valuable support on projects
• Share your expertise and inspire future professionals
• Deepen your organization’s impact and outreach

Interested in becoming a practicum host?

Connect with us today to learn how you can get involved.

To learn more about DIVERTEK Solutions, visit https://divertek.ca/.