The Tech Connect Program

In partnership with the McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick, WorkingNB, and ACOA, Tech Connect Southeast is designed to break down barriers and connect job seekers with real opportunities in New Brunswick’s growing tech sector.

At its heart, Tech Connect is about building bridges:

·       For underrepresented and for internationally trained IT professionals, it creates a pathway into meaningful, long-term careers in the province.

·       For employers, it opens access to job-ready talent, eager to contribute to business needs and drive innovation.

Through paid work placements, hands-on training, and one-on-one mentorship, participants gain industry-relevant skills and Canadian work experience that prepare them to thrive in today’s workforce. Our goal is for at least 80% of participants to secure full-time employment in their field after completing the program, strengthening not just businesses, but the entire tech ecosystem in New Brunswick.

If you’d like to learn more about how Tech Connect can support your hiring needs, or how you can get involved as a mentor, partner, or supporter, we’d love to connect. Together, we can continue building bridges between talent and opportunity.

Presenting Shannon McMackin

Shannon McMackin is the Regional Program Coordinator for Tech Connect Southeast, a Venn Innovation program that connects internationally trained tech professionals with paid work placements in New Brunswick.

She brings over 20 years of experience in recruitment, workforce strategy, and employer outreach. Based in Riverview, Shannon has supported hiring for global companies including Google, PayPal, Cisco, and VMware, and has led recruitment teams across North America, Asia, and Africa. She holds certifications in Contingent Workforce Management, Social Media Marketing, and Leadership through Emotional Intelligence.

At Tech Connect, Shannon manages program delivery, builds employer relationships, and supports participants through every stage of their placement. She works with funders, civic partners, and industry leaders to ensure the program meets workforce needs and delivers results for both employers and participants.

She also contributes to Civic Tech Moncton, where she helps coordinate technology projects for local non-profits and community organizations.