Coding for Veterans

A lifetime of service, represented in moments.

Each medal tells a story of leadership, sacrifice, and commitment to something greater than oneself.

General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier’s career is a reflection of that service, and a reminder of the impact made by those who wear the uniform.

Here's a closer look at some of his medals.

This photo was taken on April 14, 2026, at the Coding For Veterans Salute to Excellence Reception in Ottawa.

You can watch General (Ret'd) Rick Hilliers remarks here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvAy-wujnjE&t=36s

I'm grateful to Coding for Veterans for their relentless work to retrain Veterans and the broader military community to pursue careers in cybersecurity, software development, and generative AI. Veterans report high job satisfaction and higher than average salaries. Thank you for your vision and dedication to those who served our country.

Coding for Veterans is pleased to offer the military and veteran-connected community FREE soccer tickets to the CAF Appreciation Match between Vancouver Island’s Pacific FC and Calgary’s Cavalry FC on May 9th at 4pm. ⚽️

🙋 Interested? Please email Aproova at [email protected] with the names of attendees seeking tickets. The tickets will be transferred via Ticketmaster closer to the match date.

…

Coding for Veterans a le plaisir d'offrir à la communauté militaire et aux anciens combattants des billets GRATUITS pour le match de remerciement de la CAF opposant le Pacific FC de l'île de Vancouver au Cavalry FC de Calgary, le 9 mai à 16 h. ⚽️

Cela vous intéresse ? 🙋 Veuillez envoyer un e-mail à Aproova à l'adresse [email protected] en indiquant les noms des personnes souhaitant obtenir des billets. Les billets seront transmis via Ticketmaster à l'approche de la date du match.

Happy Earth Day! 🌿

Did you know the green tech industry is one of the fastest-growing job markets in the world and it desperately needs skilled tech talent?

At Coding for Veterans, we train veterans in software development, cybersecurity, and AI development. Skills that are a perfect match for roles like:

💻 Clean Energy Developer
🔒 Smart Grid Security Analyst
🤖 AI Climate Researcher

..and more.

This Earth Day, we're proud to help veterans build careers that are good for them and good for the planet.

👉 Know a veteran who'd be a great fit? Tag them below or share this post!

www.codingforveterans.com

We are proud to share a look back at the Salute to Excellence Reception, hosted by Coding for Veterans as part of Tech Day on the Hill in Ottawa.

It was an incredible evening bringing together Members of Parliament, Senators, industry leaders, and members of the veteran community — all in one room, united around a shared goal: supporting veterans as they transition into meaningful civilian careers.

One of the most meaningful moments to reflect on is that earlier this year, Coding for Veterans surpassed 1,000 students enrolled in our programs since launching in 2019.

That milestone represents more than just a number, it reflects real people building new skills, new careers, and new chapters after service.

During the evening, we presented the 2026 Commitment to Excellence Awards, recognizing The Honourable Evan Solomon, P.C., M.P., Blake Richards, M.P., Serge Blais, and Rear-Admiral (Ret’d) The Honourable Rebecca Patterson, OMM MSM CD. Individuals who are making a tangible impact in advancing opportunities and support for veterans.

Leadership and advocacy like this play a critical role in strengthening the bridge between military service and Canada’s rapidly evolving tech sector.

A sincere thank you to everyone who attended, spoke, and continues to support this mission — especially General (Ret'd) Rick Hillier, OC, CMM, The Honourable Jill McKnight, P.C., M.P., and Kevin Tetreault for sharing their insights and remarks throughout the evening.

This event was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when government, industry, and education come together with a shared purpose.

📽️ We’ve shared a recording of the awards ceremony for those interested. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/-S86sCCd6mQ?si=6CunYoNmjQfMarSO

We appreciate the opportunity to connect and share our mission Amanpreet S. Gill.

Supporting veterans in building lasting careers in tech is something we’re deeply committed to, and it’s great to see that momentum growing.

You’re not starting from zero. 🚀

The skills you built in the military are an asset, and translate well into the world of tech!

It’s not about starting over.
It’s about learning how to apply what you already know in a new environment.

If you’ve been thinking about what comes next, this might be your sign to explore a path into tech.

Explore training designed for veterans transitioning into tech at www.codingforveterans.com

Every Allied force had tried to take Vimy Ridge.

Every single one had failed.

Then Canada sent its soldiers up that hill, and took it in four days.

109 years later, that same spirit lives in every veteran who refuses to accept limits — on the battlefield, and beyond it. Today we pause to honour those who gave everything. And we recommit to serving those still standing.

To every veteran in our community: your service shaped this country. We don't forget. 🍁

We’re proud to highlight Jorge Orlando Baquero Páez, a Cyber Architect Program graduate and veteran.

With over 30 years of experience as an IT Engineer, Jorge’s journey reflects a powerful commitment to continuous growth—balancing a civilian career in technology while serving in the Naval Reserves.

In an industry that evolves rapidly, staying current is essential. Through Coding for Veterans, Jorge strengthened his technical skills and continued building on an already extensive foundation in IT.

His story is a reminder that transitioning or advancing in tech isn’t always about starting over—it’s about continuing to grow, adapt, and stay ahead.

Whether you’re looking to build new skills or deepen existing ones, the next step is always within reach. www.codingforveterans.com

Want to avoid burnout? 💻⚡

When you’re building new tech skills, especially while balancing work, service, or family life, burnout can slow your progress. That’s why building the right habits matters just as much as what you’re learning.

Here are 3 simple ways to stay on track:

👉 1. Set realistic study goals
You don’t need to do everything at once. Breaking your workload into smaller steps helps you stay focused and avoid overwhelm.

👉 2. Take breaks and reset
Long study sessions without breaks can lead to fatigue and reduced focus. Stepping away helps you come back sharper and more productive.

👉 3. Focus on consistency
Progress doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from showing up regularly. Small, steady effort builds real momentum over time. 🚀

At Coding for Veterans, we understand that our students are balancing a lot. That’s why our programs are designed to support flexible, sustainable learning—so you can build in-demand tech skills without burning out.

Your next chapter starts with consistency.

Learn more at codingforveterans.com

Thinking about starting a career in cybersecurity? 🔐

Hear directly from our Network Security Associate graduates and their experience building real, hands-on skills through the program.

From working in RangeForce labs to gaining confidence with network security concepts and Cisco commands, our students are developing practical skills that apply directly to real-world environments.

This program also prepares students to pursue the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)—a globally recognized certification in networking and cybersecurity.

If you're a veteran or military member exploring how to get into cybersecurity with no experience, building a strong foundation in network security and cyber defence is a powerful first step.

At Coding for Veterans, our programs are designed to help you move from learning → to applying → to growing in the tech field.

Your next chapter starts here.

🔗 Learn more: www.codingforveterans.com