Canada's Top 100 Employers (2025) Magazine - Flipbook - Page 21
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( 2025 ) SPONSOR CONTENT
Bell Canada focuses on skill development
B
everly Wilks had 10 years’
experience working in the
security industry, both
physical and cybersecurity,
before joining Bell Canada two and
a half years ago. Although she moved
from a mid-sized company to a very
large enterprise, she’s found lots to
like about Bell.
“It is large, but it’s dynamic,” says
Wilks, senior product marketing
manager, security and networking
practices. “What’s really encouraging
is that we have innovative cybersecurity solutions and strong leadership
from a technical perspective,
strong leadership from a business
perspective.”
“There’s always been a
strong focus on professional
development and developing
new skills.”
— Declan Brady
Vice President, Data Engineering
and Artificial Intelligence
Bell is Canada’s largest communications company, serving
consumers through home internet,
TV and wireless services, as well as
businesses of all sizes. In addition to
a significant retail presence, the Bell
media portfolio also includes leading
digital media offerings like Crave as
well as TV and radio stations across
the country.
The company is ever evolving to
keep pace with advances in technology and changes in the various
markets in which it operates. “Bell
works in so many different domains,
whether it’s media, enterprise or
direct to consumers,” says Declan
Brady, vice-president, data engineering and artificial intelligence. “There
are opportunities to try new things.
“Across our business, there’s
always been a strong focus on professional development and developing
new skills,” he says.
Wilks has taken advantage of management training courses that lasted
several weeks and involved virtual
sessions with assigned homework.
“You have to grow your management
skills and your technical skills,
especially in the fast-changing world
of technology,” she says.
There was an additional benefit.
“Last time, there were more than 20
of us in the session, so you’re meeting
people from across the business and
expanding your network,” she says.
“We were all learning from each
other – it’s not just someone up there
lecturing.”
“Beyond the extensive options in
formal training, we foster engagement with company-wide events
such as the multiple hackathons
we host annually,” adds Brady.
“Our investment in these initiatives,
along with our partnerships with
leading AI institutions like Vector
and Mila, reflects our commitment
to staying innovative and exploring
cutting-edge technologies.”
In addition, Bell covers the
cost of keeping up with external
certifications, and professional
accreditations. “Everyone recognizes
the importance of keeping up on
certification credits,” Wilks says.
“Many people in different technical
areas need outside certifications and
Bell covers all of that.”
Bell also runs a number of
programs aimed at recruiting talent
from colleges and universities. The
Employees at Bell Canada are encouraged to pursue professional
development through various learning resources.
graduate program can allow new
hires to rotate through different roles
or develop expertise in one role as
they discover where their interests
lie. They also receive leadership
training to support their career
growth.
The company also offers internships, ideal for students exploring
a future in tech services and digital
media. The program is structured
2,500+
health and wellness e-resources
to ensure that participants get
real-world experience.
“We place a priority on ensuring
that new grads are successful and
ultimately land in a program that
best fits their skills,” says Brady.
“This includes support, mentoring
and resources for career development. So, it’s a really nice path
if you’re just coming out of university.” ¢
$
1,500
annual tuition subsidies
Bell is proud to be named one
of Canada’s Top Employers.
