PLATO SASK TO TRAIN AND HIRE 30 INDIGENOUS EMPLOYEES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REGINA, SK (April 2, 2019) – FHQ Developments and PQA announced the official launch of PLATO Sask Testing, an Indigenous-owned-and-led tech company that will become the only dedicated software testing company in Saskatchewan.

“We are diversifying our businesses and participating in the emerging IT Tech sector as a space where our Nations’ citizens can grow, develop and lead,” said FHQTC Tribal Chief, Edmund Bellegarde. “The new company will leverage the experience of a leading national IT Testing company and will look to become a leader in the industry  throughout Saskatchewan and beyond.”

The partnership, which was initiated by the corporate entity of File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council Nations (FHQ Developments) will leverage a proven training and employment model developed by Keith McIntosh, founder of PQA and PLATO Testing.

“We’re extremely proud to partner with FHQ Developments to expand the PLATO model,” said PQA founder, Keith McIntosh. “We see the growing indigenous workforce as excellent recruits to help us meet the increasing demands for quality software testing.”

PLATO Sask will onboard cohorts of approximately 15 students for a four-month training program followed by a work placement with leading Saskatchewan companies. Students who successfully complete the program will be offered full-time employment with PLATO Sask. “We are excited to offer software testing services for Saskatchewan businesses,” said Thomas Benjoe,

President and CEO, FHQ Developments. “Furthermore, we offer a unique value proposition as we can help organizations fulfill supply chain requirements for a local and/or Indigenous workforce.”

The PLATO Sask training program will be held at the First Nations University Campus in Regina and anyone of First Nations, Métis or Inuit descent who is interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity is encouraged to visit www.platosask.com.

Media Contact:

Susan Holt
Vice President, Strategy & Communications – PQA
Susan.holt@pqa.ca
(506) 238-0583

About FHQ Developments:

In 2010, the 11-member First Nation communities of File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC), representing over 15,000 First Nation citizens and 435,000 acres of reserve lands in Treaty 4 territory, formed FHQ Developments as a limited partnership agreement. The partnership’s owners are the elevenmember First Nation Communities  and FHQTC.

The mission of FHQ Developments is to contribute to the long-term economic independence and prosperity of our Limited Partners and our citizens by developing profitable business ventures and economic development opportunities while advancing employment and livelihood for our Nations and citizens in a manner consistent with the Nehiyaw (Cree), Dakota, Nakota, Lakota, and Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) Nations teachings.
www.fhqdev.com

About PQA:

Founded in 1997, Professional Quality Assurance Ltd. (PQA) is Canada’s leading independent provider of quality assurance and software testing solutions through a team of over 100 professionals. Headquartered in Fredericton, NB, PQA has additional delivery offices located in Halifax, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.

PQA employs a “Test Smarter” testing process that includes comprehensive methodologies, frameworks and tools to ensure that testing projects are conducted intelligently across the entire software development life-cycle. We tailor our services to support your unique development and testing projects, keeping your goals top of mind. PQA  can add value at any point in your testing process to help ensure successful project delivery.
www.pqatesting.com

About PLATO Testing:

PLATO Testing specializes in training and employing Indigenous software testers to provide diverse software testing solutions to clients throughout North America. PLATO Testers are making a positive impact for clients from coast to coast to coast. PLATO testing has offices on or near indigenous communities across Canada, in Fredericton and Miramichi New Brunswick, Sault Ste Marie, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. PLATO is excited to welcome PLATO Sask to the team as we strive to build a network of 1000 Indigenous software testers in 20 communities across Canada by 2025. PLATO Testing currently employs more than 70 full-time indigenous software testers across Canada.
www.platotesting.com