Partnership expands hands-on cybersecurity and cloud security training, preparing students for workforce-ready careers in the digital economy
Slave Lake, Alberta, October 14, 2025 : EC-Council, inventor of the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential continues to advance its mission of preparing future-ready talent through
EC-Council Academia, an established division dedicated to integrating industry-recognized training into higher education. EC-Council Academia has partnered with Northern Lakes College to bring new cybersecurity courses into the College’s Computer Network Specialist program, strengthening academic pathways into high-demand careers.
Through this partnership, EC-Council introduces its hands-on, cloud-based training environments directly into the College’s curriculum, ensuring students can move beyond theory into applied practice. Delivered through secure virtual labs, learners will build critical capabilities in areas such as threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and incident response. This model allows students to gain practical experience in a controlled setting while preparing them with the confidence and competence needed in the workforce.
Jay Bavisi, Group President, EC-Council said, “At EC-Council, we see every academic partnership as a chance to turn classrooms into launchpads for tomorrow’s cybersecurity leaders. By working with Northern Lakes College, we are opening pathways where students gain real-world skills, grow confident in their abilities, and step into the workforce ready to protect the digital foundations of our society.”
Northern Lakes College has long prepared students to design, build, and maintain small business networks. With EC-Council Academia’s courses now integrated into the program, students will graduate with applied expertise that meets the demands of today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Josh de Vries, Dean, Business, Academics, Trades & Regional Stewardship, Northern Lakes College said, “Northern Lakes College is pleased to provide learners with the opportunity for, and access to, third-party and industry-recognized certification through EC-Council. Partnering with industry leaders enables the college to ensure our graduates have the relevant skills and knowledge to succeed in the ever-changing information technology workspace.”
For more than two decades, EC-Council has set global benchmarks in cybersecurity education. The creation of the CEH credential redefined ethical hacking as a profession and has since been recognized by governments, defense agencies, and Fortune 500 companies worldwide. EC-Council Academia extends this legacy by equipping colleges and universities with the tools, curricula, and resources required to align academic programs with industry needs. Today, more than 2,000 institutions—including over 250 National Centers of Academic Excellence designated by the U.S. National Security Agency deliver EC-Council programs to tens of thousands of students each year.
With courseware designed by EC-Council and delivered by Northern Lakes College, the new courses feature cloud-based, vendor-neutral virtual labs equipped with built-in cybersecurity tools and virtual machines. These labs provide students with a secure, controlled environment to apply cybersecurity concepts in real-world scenarios without the need to purchase additional hardware or software. By operating entirely in the cloud, the labs ensure that students’ personal devices and the College’s network remain protected, even as learners engage in advanced exercises such as threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and incident response.
Upon completion of the courses, students are encouraged to independently pursue two globally recognized certifications: Certified Secure Computer User (C|SCU) and Certified Cloud Security Engineer (C|CSE), validating their knowledge with credentials trusted across industries worldwide.
Applications are open for the January intake of the Computer Network Specialist program. For more information, visit the Northern Lakes College program page or contact [email protected].
About EC-Council Academia
EC-Council, the inventor of Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification course and exam, has a mission to provide cybersecurity education and certifications to students across the world to prepare them for their future careers. Founded in 2001, EC-Council offers over 200 different training programs and certifications – ranging from end-user security to highly technical penetration testing to information security management, and many other tactical courses. Recognized under the U.S. Department of Defense 8140 and an ISO/IEC 17024 Accredited Organization, EC-Council holds these and many other distinctions and accreditations by prestigious agencies worldwide – making EC-Council’s certification programs highly desirable and valued within the cybersecurity global communities.
The EC-Council Academia partner program supports academic institutions globally to establish cybersecurity ecosystems that benefit students, alumni, faculty, employees, and the local communities at large. These partnerships provide students opportunities to obtain stackable credentials to become more competitive as they enter the workforce. The partnership program also focuses on initiating faculty development, scholarships, and cyber competitions. To date, EC-Council supports over 2,000 education networks and institutions globally. EC-Council Academia works with academic institutions at all levels, including over 250 National Centers of Academic Excellence (N-CAEs) as designated by the National Security Agency, contributing to the certification of tens of thousands of students annually with industry-leading credentials.
For more information on EC-Council Academia, please visit https://www.eccouncil.org/academia/canada/
About Northern Lakes College
Northern Lakes College (NLC) provides flexible educational opportunities through innovative delivery. With accessibility as a cornerstone value, we provide quality educational programs and services. NLC’s innovative Supported Distance Learning (SDL) and Supported Distance Teaching (SDT) models include unique online delivery options such as NLC LIVE Online™ and NLC Anytime, Anywhere. SDL provides learners with the flexibility to balance work, home, and education, so that they can continue their education, improve their employment opportunities, and enhance their quality of life. Committed to its communities in northern Alberta and to its students, wherever they may be, NLC collaborates with business, industry, and other post-secondary institutions to benefit students and communities. Explore at www.northernlakescollege.ca.
For additional information contact: Northern Lakes College @ [email protected]
