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Who we are

Sixty years of experience.
Still learning every day.

Next Steps Certification Training Centre was started by Laura and Stephen Franks, of Canso, Nova Scotia. Over 30 years each in teaching and technology — a combined 60 years with technology, curriculum, and students.

We've created programs and courses taught in colleges across Ontario and online across Canada. We've trained thousands of learners. And we've learned something important along the way: every student is an individual, and the best training is the training that's built for them — not the template.

That's why NSCTC exists. Not to push students through a cohort on a schedule. To meet them where they are, understand where they want to go, and build the bridge.

The people

Meet Laura and Stephen.

Laura Franks, co-founder of NSCTC

Laura Franks

Co-Founder & Instructor
MSc Computer Security · BEd · BA Psychology · CCAI · CySA+

Laura brings three decades of classroom teaching, curriculum development, and technical expertise together. Her background in psychology and education means her training reaches people where they actually learn — not where the syllabus says they should be.

Stephen Franks, co-founder of NSCTC

Stephen Franks

Co-Founder & Instructor
MSc Computer Security · CET · CCAI · SecurityX

Stephen has spent 30 years teaching computer studies in classrooms that echoed with questions, experiments, and laughter. He's also an author — his K-12 Eco Series and the literary novel The Conversation come from the same quiet conviction that stories teach better than lectures.

How we teach

We teach the individual.

Just like security, learning should not be "off the shelf." It should be bespoke — made for you. We start with where you want to get to. Then we look at where you're coming from. We identify the challenges you face, and we build a plan together.

We don't run cohorts. We don't have a start date. Classes begin when you need them and run as long as you need them. We use proven courseware, tried and tested — but those are just resources. We teach you.

"We are about you. We have done this for many years, and for many years we have seen it done the wrong way. Time for a change."
— Stephen Franks
Let's talk

Want to work with us?

Whether you're an organization looking for corporate training, an individual rebuilding after a school let you down, or a veteran building a new career in tech — we'd love to hear from you.

Email info@nsctc.ca