Project INSIGHTS REPORT

Future of work skills development program

Pathways to Jobs

The Issue

The rapid acceleration of automation and machine learning threatens to displace workers and significantly disrupt job prospects, including for current and future students. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these existing challenges in the Canadian labour market.  Studies indicate that by 2028, over 50% of occupations in Canada will require a significant overhaul of skills, with 62% of executives acknowledging the need for staff retraining due to automation. This shift highlights a growing demand for human-centric jobs that AI and machine learning find difficult to replicate, jobs that emphasize skills like emotional intelligence, creativity and problem solving.

Employers across various industries have reported increasing difficulties in finding talent equipped with these necessary skills. The traditional educational pathways are not adequately preparing students for these shifts, leading to a skills gap that needs to be addressed to future-proof the Canadian workforce. The urgency for solutions is clear, as the evolving job market requires a workforce that can adapt to new technologies while maintaining the human-centric skills that automation cannot replace.

Previous attempts to bridge this skills gap have often fallen short, primarily because they do not integrate the necessary human-centric skills with the technological competencies that modern workplaces require. Many training programs focus either too heavily on technical skills without fostering soft skills or vice versa. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological change means that traditional educational and training programs struggle to keep up, leaving a disconnect between the skills taught and those demanded by employers. This gap necessitates a new approach that will dynamically integrate both sets of skills and offer practical, experiential learning opportunities to adequately prepare the workforce for future challenges.

What We’re Investigating

This project centred on several key research questions aimed at addressing the urgent needs of the Canadian labour market, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on job prospects and the accelerating trend of technology adoption. The primary questions explored included: 

• How can we effectively equip recent and future graduates with skills that are resilient against technological disruptions? 
• What innovative training methods might enhance these skills? 
• How can these training methods be integrated into existing educational frameworks to ensure broad and effective dissemination?

The project involved multiple stakeholders, including the Greater Fredericton Community Economic Development Agency Inc. (operating as Planet Hatch) and educational institutions across Atlantic Canada. These partners worked together to design and implement the Future of Work Skills Development Program, which aimed to train over 750 participants in 12 in-demand future work skills through a blend of experiential and self-directed learning opportunities.

The objective of the project was to test and refine a training program that could be integrated into the curricula of secondary and postsecondary institutions or offered as a stand-alone program. The project was implemented in two phases. The first phase focused on piloting the program with over 250 students using existing educational partnerships. The second phase aimed at reaching an additional 500 participants by expanding partnerships and introducing the program to the private sector for onboarding and professional development purposes. 

The intervention methodology included developing a curriculum based on the Future of Work skills identified by the World Economic Forum and the Conference Board of Canada, and delivering this curriculum through various modalities, including in person and online sessions. The target demographic was primarily youth aged 15 to 29, with a focus on ensuring inclusivity and diversity among participants. Project administrators also collected and analyzed data on participant engagement, satisfaction, and skills progression through pre- and post-program surveys, as well as the long-term impact of the training through follow-up surveys.

What We’re Learning

Over 850 participants engaged in the Future of Work Skills Development Program, surpassing the initial target of 750. There was significant participation from women, non-binary individuals, people with disabilities, Indigenous people, and various racial and linguistic groups. 

Flexibility to accommodate different learning styles
The flexibility in module delivery—whether in person or online, sequential or à la carte—proved vital in accommodating diverse learning preferences and schedules. However, it was noted that a structured, sequential delivery of modules enhanced comprehension and skill retention among participants. This structured approach facilitated a clearer understanding of the curriculum, allowing students to build on previously acquired knowledge.

Challenges with evaluating skill acquisition and impact
Program administrators faced challenges in collecting data on program impact. This was despite the program’s success in exceeding participation targets, and the adoption of HubSpot as a customer relationship management tool, which proved instrumental in organizing participant information and tracking participants’ progress. Participants were reluctant to submit personal information and complete satisfaction surveys. This impacted the administrators’ ability to fully assess the program’s effectiveness from the participants’ perspective. However, feedback from employers was overwhelmingly positive, with all reporting observed increases in employee confidence and recognition of necessary workplace skills post-training.

A network of engaged partners was the foundation for success
The program successfully established connections with 19 educational and private sector entities, which was critical for the program’s delivery and expansion. These partnerships not only facilitated the reach of the program but also ensured its integration into existing educational frameworks, enhancing its sustainability and impact.

What’s Next

The Greater Fredericton Community Economic Development Agency Inc. continues to offer training for young people in Atlantic Canada, with a special focus on international students and newcomer youth aged 16 to 18. Planet Hatch continues to offer support for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Greater Fredericton region.