Tag: Training

Four Atlantic Students Participate in Calcul Québec Summer Quantum Program

Posted on by Michele Fash

ACENET has secured four spots for Atlantic Canadian university students in Calcul Québec’s 2026 online summer program in quantum computing, now in its second year.

Open to university students from all fields, the participants have free access to both a supercomputer and Calcul Québec’s MonarQ, a 24-qubit universal superconducting quantum computer. MonarQ was designed in Quebec by Anyon Systems and is available to researchers and innovators across Canada. Through the support of Quandela, a European company specializing in photonic quantum computing, participants also have access to Belenos, a 12-qubit photonic quantum computer, along with Quandela’s software tools for designing, simulating, and experimenting with quantum algorithms.

Along with the compute access, the students receive specialized training and mentorship throughout the summer from Calcul Québec’s quantum team. 

The projects accepted into the program could range from a first exploration of quantum computing to more advanced approaches, and fall into one of three categories:

  • Hybrid quantum algorithms
  • Simulation of quantum systems on classical computing clusters
  • Quantum software development tools

Out of 55 applications received, 19 projects from 10 Canadian universities were selected, based on project feasibility and candidate motivation. One application from each Atlantic province was selected. One of ACENET’s training specialists will help guide these projects while benefiting from the Calcul Québec team’s quantum expertise.

Congratulations to our Atlantic Canadian participants:

Chandler Acorn, University of Prince Edward Island
Muhammad Umair Akram Butt, University of New Brunswick
Tooba Javed, Saint Mary’s University
Evan Schaffer, Memorial University

    2026 Digital Research Summer School

    Posted on by acenet

    June 1st to 19th online

    ACENET is again joining forces with partners across the country to deliver a national summer school. A selection of over 40 free courses are available covering a wide range of topics, including,

    • AI
    • machine learning
    • Bioinformatics
    • GPU programming
    • advanced research computing basics
    • high-performance computing tools
    • programming languages
    • Neuroanalytics
    • Visualization
    • research data management
    • and more…

    With presentations and workshops available at introductory to advanced levels, and sessions ranging from a couple of hours to a couple of days, there will be something for everyone.

    Course information and registration

    Register quickly, as some courses we expect to be in high demand have limited seats!

    Microcredential in Applied Data Analytics and Machine Learning with Python

    Posted on by Matt Egginton

    Applications are open for our new microcredential!

    With 24 hours of class time over six weeks, self-study materials and an independent study project, our Microcredential in Applied Data Analytics and Machine Learning with Python will develop in-demand skills, build practical experience, boost professional efficiency and help advance careers by bridging foundational knowledge with advanced tools and methods. 

    Through hands-on sessions and guided exercises, participants will learn to explore and transform data, communicate findings effectively through visualizations, and implement machine learning algorithms using Python to gain actionable insights.

    Asynchronous modules provide valuable training in coding best practices and technical project management to enhance collaborative and efficient workflows. This program builds on foundational skills to enable more elaborate analyses, improving both technical expertise and practical problem-solving abilities.

    Participants should have completed our Microcredential in Practical Foundations for Data Analytics, or have equivalent experience. 

    The course runs from March 24th through April 30th, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-5:00pm Atlantic. 

    The deadline to apply is February 23rd. 

    LLMs for IT Professionals: Building, Fine-Tuning, and Deploying

    Posted on by Matt Egginton

    LLMs for IT Professionals: Building, Fine-Tuning, and Deploying

    Back by Popular Demand!

    We’re again partnering with Digital Nova Scotia and St. FX University to redeliver the five-module training program on machine learning, and specifically LLMs. 

    This microcredential course is designed to equip experienced developers with the skills and knowledge necessary to build and deploy large language model (LLM)-based applications.

    Participants will gain hands-on experience with transformers, datasets, Python AI models, and best practices for integrating AI into applications. They will also explore techniques for fine-tuning models, leveraging APIs, and ensuring robust testing and QA.

    By the end of this course, learners will acquire the knowledge and practical skills to build and fine-tune LLMs, seamlessly integrate them into applications, develop end-to-end pipelines for specific use cases, and apply best practices for responsible AI deployment.

    • Module 1: Introduction and Fundamentals
    • Module 2: Building and Fine-Tuning LLMs
    • Module 3: Leveraging LLMs through APIs and Integration
    • Module 4: Utilization of RAG and MCP
    • Module 5: Good Practices and Ethics

    Classes run Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning May 11th. There are additional self-learning materials, and participants will be expected to complete assignments and a capstone project.

    For more information and to apply, visit Digital Nova Scotia.

    LLMs for IT Professionals: Building, Fine-Tuning, and Deploying

    Posted on by Matt Egginton

    LLMs for IT Professionals: Building, Fine-Tuning, and Deploying

    We’re again partnering with Digital Nova Scotia and St. FX University to redeliver the five-module training program on machine learning, and specifically LLMs, this time with an added module on RAG and MCP. 

    This microcredential course is designed to equip experienced developers with the skills and knowledge necessary to build and deploy large language model (LLM)-based applications.

    Participants will gain hands-on experience with transformers, datasets, Python AI models, and best practices for integrating AI into applications. They will also explore techniques for fine-tuning models, leveraging APIs, and ensuring robust testing and QA.

    By the end of this course, learners will acquire the knowledge and practical skills to build and fine-tune LLMs, seamlessly integrate them into applications, develop end-to-end pipelines for specific use cases, and apply best practices for responsible AI deployment.

    • Module 1: Introduction and Fundamentals
    • Module 2: Building and Fine-Tuning LLMs
    • Module 3: Leveraging LLMs through APIs and Integration
    • Module 4: Utilization of RAG and MCP
    • Module 5: Good Practices and Ethics

    Classes run from 9:00am to 12:00pm Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning January 5th. There are additional self-learning materials, and participants will be expected to complete assignments and a capstone project.

    For more information and to apply, visit Digital Nova Scotia.

    Top AI Talent: Meet the Standout Graduates of our AI Microcredential Program for IT, Programming & Development

    Posted on by Matt Egginton

    Please view the full story at Digital Nova Scotia

    Practical AI Utilization for Developers and Programmers

    ACENET has partnered with Digital Nova Scotia and St. FX University to deliver a four-week training program on machine learning, and specifically LLMs. 

    This microcredential course is designed to equip experienced developers with the skills and knowledge necessary to build and deploy large language model (LLM)-based applications.

    Participants gained hands-on experience with transformers, datasets, Python AI models, and best practices for integrating AI into applications. They will explored techniques for fine-tuning models, leveraging APIs, and ensuring robust testing and QA.

    By the end of this course, learners acquired the knowledge and practical skills to build and fine-tune LLMs, seamlessly integrate them into applications, develop end-to-end pipelines for specific use cases, and apply best practices for responsible AI deployment.

    The first cohort completed the program in March, 2025. Digital Nova Scotia interviewed two of the top candidates about their experience. 

    Joseph Orji, https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-orji/
    Alexei Bissonnette, https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexei-bissonnette-9aa38a23a/

    Read the interviews at Digital Nova Scotia!

    Canadian Certificate in Digital Humanities Launches

    Posted on by Matt Egginton

    A joint effort among a number of partner organizations, the Canadian Certificate in Digital Humanities/Certificat canadien en Humanités Numériques (cc:DH/HN) is launched! 

    The certificate, open to anyone regardless of citizenship or country of residence, recognizes people who have taken 100 hours of eligible digital humanities workshops over a five-year period. 

    To find out more about the certificate, including eligibility and how to apply, visit https://ccdhhn.ca/.

    If you are a Canadian organization offering digital humanities training and would like to have your workshops listed as eligible and/or become a partner organization, please contact us at digitalhumanities@stfx.ca. 

    ACENET Certificate in Advanced Computing

    Posted on by Matt Egginton

    New Certificate in Advanced Computing

    ACENET’s Certificate in Advanced Computing provides participants skills in using a supercomputer for large-scale simulations, analysis, complex modelling, machine learning, and visualization. They progress from beginner to intermediate with topics that include programming with Python, data analytics and visualization, Linux and Shell Scripting, high performance computing, parallel computing, cloud, version control, machine learning, and others such as technical writing, technical project management, cybersecurity and quality assurance.

    Designed to provide job-ready skills, the certificate is completed part-time online over five months with approximately 100 hours of teaching time. The program takes a modular approach, combining six evening hours per week of interactive online classes with supplemental learning material, and includes a final independent study project intended to demonstrate knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. 

    People who have knowledge, experience and comfort with computers, and who want to develop advanced computing skills to either expand their career prospects or bring new capabilities to their existing employment may be interested in this program. Specific work experience is less important than computer experience, and participants may come from a range of industries. Programming experience is beneficial, but not necessary, but a background in mathematics and statistics is strongly recommended. Those who are both motivated and have the capacity and time to augment this program with guided, self-directed learning will be most successful. 

    The first cohort begins in March, 2024 under the techNL Find Your Future in Tech project, which is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program. The application period is now closed.

    Details about the certificate can be found on our website. Questions are welcome and can be directed to certification@www.ace-net.ca. 

    Applications Open for ACENET Certificate in Advanced Computing

    Posted on by Matt Egginton

    Application Period Now Open!

    October 3, 2023

    Applications are now open for ACENET’s new Certificate in Advanced Computing. Up to forty participants will be accepted into the program, which is being delivered under techNL’s Find Your Future in Tech project. The project is aimed at addressing  technical skills needs in NL’s labour force. 

    Participants learn how to use a supercomputer for large-scale simulations, analysis, complex modelling, machine learning, and visualization. They progress from beginner to intermediate with topics that include programming with Python, data analytics and visualization, version control, high performance computing, parallel computing, machine learning, cybersecurity, and workflows and project tools in technology.

    Designed to provide job-ready skills, the certificate is completed part-time online over five months with approximately 100 hours of teaching time. The program takes a modular approach, combining six evening hours per week of interactive online classes with supplemental learning material, and includes a final independent study project intended to demonstrate knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. 

    There are no fees for the program. It is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program. Eligibility restrictions apply, which can be viewed at Find Your Future in Tech.

    People who have knowledge, experience and comfort with computers, and who want to develop advanced computing skills to either expand their career prospects or bring new capabilities to their existing employment may be interested in this program. Specific work experience is less important than computer experience, and participants may come from a range of industries. Programming experience is beneficial, but not necessary, and a background in mathematics and statistics is strongly recommended. Those who are both motivated and have the capacity and time to augment this program with guided, self-directed learning will be most successful. 

    Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm (NST) on November 12, 2023. Classes commence in March, 2024. Details about the certificate and application can be found on our website. Questions are welcome and can be directed to certification@www.ace-net.ca. 

    Details and application

    Find Your Future in Tech

    Posted on by Matt Egginton

    Reposting from techNL

    Technology is central to every opportunity in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    The digital transformation is changing how we work in every sector. No matter the field or career stage (beginning, mid-level, or pivoting), there is ample opportunity for growth through tech right here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    To further support our province’s already thriving technology industry, ACENET is excited to announce its partnership with techNL to offer funded seats in technology education and training programs to students, career pivoters, and corporate learners throughout 2023-2024.

    techNL’s Find Your Future education program will provide funded seats across numerous tech programs and certifications hosted by ten (10) partner organizations to offer education and training to residents and tech sector employers across the province – creating a pipeline of talent for generations to come.

    In conjunction with their education program, techNL is launching a province-wide awareness campaign entitled Find Your Future in Tech to raise awareness and understanding of the breadth of opportunity for careers in technology in Newfoundland and Labrador. Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, the program will run until April 2024.

    We are fully committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in Newfoundland & Labrador’s tech community. Members of equity-deserving groups are encouraged to apply.

    Learn more about ACENET’s Certificate in Advanced Computing here, or other partner offerings at FindYourFutureNL.ca