This Artificial Intelligence Diploma Program is carefully crafted to provide hands-on training to students in this fast-emerging field.
What will you learn?
AI and data technologies.
Upon completion of this program, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every sector of the Canadian economy — and the demand for professionals who can work with AI tools, data systems, and machine learning frameworks is growing faster than almost any other field in the country. For graduates entering this space with foundational AI skills, the timing could not be better.
According to WorkBC, machine learning engineers and data scientists (NOC 21211) in B.C. can expect approximately 1,150 job openings between 2025 and 2035 — with average annual earnings of $94,165 WorkBC — reflecting the exceptional compensation available to professionals who build and apply AI systems across Canada’s growing technology sector.
The national and global growth story is equally compelling. Data science is a new and expanding field, and demand for workers is high — with data scientists who specialize in specific areas, like finance, health care, or marketing, likely to be in especially high demand. WorkBC Vancouver has emerged as one of Canada’s leading AI hubs, alongside Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton, with a strong ecosystem of technology companies, research institutions, and AI-driven startups actively hiring across the talent spectrum.
Cities like Vancouver have evolved into busy AI hubs, with demand for AI professionals increasing rapidly across Canada as AI applications spread across industries — from finance and healthcare to manufacturing and transportation. Y-Axis
This diploma is designed to launch graduates into the AI field at the entry level — equipped with hands-on skills in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, machine learning, NLP, and data visualization that employers are actively seeking. Graduates who combine this diploma’s technical foundation with industry experience and continued learning are positioned to progress toward higher-level roles in one of the fastest-growing and highest-paying sectors in the Canadian labour market.
Edison College offers this program both in-class at our Victoria campus and fully online — meaning students across Canada, from British Columbia and Manitoba to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, can build foundational AI skills without relocating.
Sources: WorkBC — NOC 21211 | Government of Canada Job Bank
Graduates of the Artificial Intelligence diploma enter the workforce equipped with practical, in-demand technical skills across Python programming, machine learning, data analysis, NLP, and computer vision. Entry-level and junior roles in the AI and data field that diploma graduates are positioned to pursue include:
Data & Analytics:
AI & Machine Learning Support:
Technical & Development:
Research & Consulting Support:
With experience and continued professional development, graduates may progress toward senior data science, machine learning engineering, and AI leadership roles. Employers across B.C. and Canada in technology, financial services, healthcare, e-commerce, government, and telecommunications are all actively hiring AI-literate professionals at every level.
AI and data science professionals work in some of the most modern, flexible, and well-resourced work environments in the Canadian economy — with a strong prevalence of remote and hybrid work options that align naturally with the online delivery of this program:
Technology Companies & Startups: B.C.’s technology sector — centred in Vancouver but with a growing presence in Victoria, Kelowna, and beyond — employs AI and data professionals across a wide range of companies, from early-stage AI startups to established technology firms. The province’s thriving innovation ecosystem includes AI companies working in areas such as computer vision, natural language processing, healthcare AI, and autonomous systems.
Financial Services & Banking: Canada’s major banks and financial institutions — including those headquartered in Toronto and Vancouver — employ data analysts, AI specialists, and machine learning support professionals across risk modelling, fraud detection, customer analytics, and algorithmic trading divisions. Data analysts working in the banking industry have some of the highest salaries in the sector. Glassdoor
Healthcare & Life Sciences: AI is transforming healthcare delivery and research across Canada — with hospitals, health authorities, pharmaceutical companies, and digital health startups employing data and AI professionals for applications in diagnostics, treatment planning, drug discovery, and patient analytics.
Government & Public Sector: Federal and provincial government agencies are increasingly integrating AI and data analytics into policy development, service delivery, and public safety operations — creating employment for data analysts, AI implementation specialists, and technical support professionals across Canada.
E-Commerce & Retail: The rapid growth of online retail across Canada is driving demand for data analysts and AI specialists who can support recommendation systems, inventory optimization, demand forecasting, and customer experience analytics.
Remote Work: Many data scientists and AI professionals work remotely or from home WorkBC — making this one of the most location-flexible career paths available. The tools taught throughout this diploma — Python, TensorFlow, Power BI, Tableau, cloud-based frameworks — are precisely the tools used in remote AI and data roles, making the online learning model of this program directly aligned with how graduates will work after graduation.
AI and data science careers offer some of the highest compensation of any field in the Canadian economy — with significant earning potential even at entry level, and extraordinary upside for those who build experience and specialization over time.
According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, data scientists (NOC 21211) in Canada typically earn between $30.00 and $69.74 per hour Job Bank — reflecting a wide range that spans from junior/entry-level roles to senior data science positions.
In Vancouver, B.C., data scientists earn an average of approximately $104,925 per year, with top earners reporting up to $183,955 annually Glassdoor — among the highest compensation levels of any occupation in the province. British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan pay the highest data science salaries of all provinces and territories Glassdoor, making B.C. an exceptionally strong market for AI and data career growth.
WorkBC reports average annual earnings for machine learning engineers in B.C. of approximately $94,165 WorkBC, with career progression leading to senior data science, director, and CIO-level roles over time.
For graduates entering the field at the junior/entry level — in roles such as junior data analyst or AI support specialist — starting compensation is competitive relative to most diploma-level programs, with significant upward trajectory as technical skills deepen. Data scientists usually start in junior analyst roles. With experience, they may take on more responsibility and leadership — and some move into senior roles such as director of data science or chief information officer (CIO). WorkBC
Studying from another province? AI and data science roles are distributed across Canada’s major urban centres and increasingly available remotely — making this one of the most geographically flexible career paths available to diploma graduates anywhere in the country. Graduates are encouraged to consult the Government of Canada Job Bank for current wage data specific to their home province.
Sources: WorkBC — NOC 21211 | Government of Canada Job Bank — Data Scientist Canada | Glassdoor Canada — Vancouver
Meet one of the following English language proficiency requirements:
The Accuplacer assessment may be accepted only under the following conditions:
"Graduating from this program as a Mental Health and Addiction Community Support Worker has been a truly impactful experience. The education I received provided me with both the knowledge and practical skills needed to support individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges in a meaningful and compassionate way.
The instructors were supportive, knowledgeable, and brought real-world experience into the classroom, which made the learning feel relevant and applicable. I especially valued the focus on trauma-informed care, cultural awareness, and building genuine connections with clients.
This program helped me grow not only professionally but personally. I left feeling confident, prepared, and motivated to make a difference in my community. I’m grateful for the foundation it gave me and would recommend it to anyone looking to pursue a career in mental health and addiction support
"
"I had a great experience completing my Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant program at Edison College. The course was practical, easy to follow, and really helped me feel prepared to work in the field. I would definitely recommend it to others."
"My experience at Edison College Canada has been very rewarding. The Community Support Worker program, especially the Mental Health and Addiction specialization, has helped me build confidence and real-world skills to support vulnerable individuals in my community. I feel more prepared for my future career."
Read our latest news.
