Supporting the Next Generation of Tech Leaders: RBC and QueerTech

With RBC’s support, QT Access opens pathways for emerging tech talent to help them succeed in a challenging job market.

Amid rising economic uncertainty and a challenging job market, Canada experienced a 5.9 percent increase in tech jobs. Despite continued growth in Canada’s tech sector, significant challenges persist for 2SLGBTQIA+ tech workers looking to enter the industry. 

With support from RBC, QueerTech’s QT Access program aims to help break down these barriers by providing mentorship, peer support, and cohort-based learning that equip 2SLGBTQIA+ tech talent with the resources they need to succeed. This collaboration is helping build not just careers, but a more inclusive, future-ready workforce for Canada.

“The QueerTech community is filled with incredible talent, but limited access to networks, concerns about workplace discrimination, and a lack of mentorship opportunities create barriers for these individuals in entering and staying in tech.” Shares Naoufel Testaouni, CEO of QueerTech. 

“Thanks to RBC’s support, we’ve been able to expand and grow QT Access, providing more participants with the guidance, connections, and confidence they need to thrive in an industry that hasn’t always been accessible to them.”

QT Access was introduced as a cohort-based program aimed at improving job readiness for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, equipping them with the professional support and skills needed to enter the tech industry. As the community's and market's needs shifted, QT Access has adapted by evolving. This allows participants to focus on material relevant to their personal and professional growth, while still offering mentorship and opportunities for community building.

In QueerTech's research report, Queering the Tech Ecosystem, 35% of people surveyed reported experiencing harassment based on their sexual orientation and over 56% faced discrimination based on their gender identity. While many tech companies have implemented internal measures to combat discrimination, more comprehensive programs are needed that go beyond organizationally driven initiatives. 

Since 2023, the QT Access program has supported over 70 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals on their professional journeys in the tech industry, and is on track to support another 115 community members in 2025.

QT Access offers a 10-week program, filling training gaps with unlimited access to Google Coursera certifications, live training sessions, career support, networking opportunities, and training in foundational AI skills. QT Access also features a unique mentorship program, where participants are paired with a mentor from the QueerTech community, including RBC, through a speed-meeting event. 

“Before getting involved with QueerTech, I thought my career was my own challenge and responsibility to struggle through alone.” Shared Seasy Huang, a UX and Product Designer who took part in both the QT Access and QT Leaders programs.

“Since going through these programs, I have a different perspective on my career and community. Now I feel less stress when I’m networking, and more like I’m creating relationships to help myself and others in the future.”

For Seasy, the tech industry initially felt highly individualistic, with most networking events and professional development programs focused on personal career advancement or landing a job. After joining QueerTech, she found a space grounded in community, where helping others and sharing her own journey became part of her growth.

With RBC’s support, QT Access offers more than a program; it’s a movement toward a tech industry where everyone belongs and can thrive in their careers. By empowering more professionals with the tools, connections, and confidence to succeed, QueerTech is building a future where inclusion sparks innovation and every career journey begins with community.