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Boosting skills upgrades in key economic sectors

Many sectors of the Canadian economy are undergoing drastic changes due to automation and technological advancement.

That’s why we’re investing in key partnerships to support skills development and research in sectors of the economy that are at high risk of automation and will be critical to Canada’s future long-term success.

From agriculture to health care, to cybersecurity and entrepreneurship to the blue economy, we are partnering with employers and industry leaders across Canada on projects that advance institutional and systemic change that benefits employers and employees — ensuring skills training is relevant and accessible to diverse groups, including women, racialized groups and people with essential skills gaps.  

FSC’s focus is to test approaches, training interventions and applied research in order to anticipate labour market shifts and prepare the workforce before sector-wide change.

Why is the Future Skills Centre investing in key economic sectors?

Explore the projects

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Project

Unleashing learning management systems

This project supports training and skills development needs among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Canada and fosters more inclusive workplaces.
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Project

Black African and Caribbean entrepreneurship and leadership training program (BACEL)

This project will deliver training in entrepreneurship, networking and mentorship that strengthens and supports the Black business community.
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Project

National workforce strategy for agriculture and food & beverage manufacturing

This project will address persistent and growing labour and skills shortages affecting Canada’s agriculture and food processing industries.
Health care professional providing care to a person's foot.
Project

Best foot forward: Reskilling human resources for high-risk foot care

This project will examine the health human resources and health care needs to improve the management and treatment of foot care for persons with diabetes, as well as to enhance the efficiency of the health care system.
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Project

Test the waters: Competencies for the sustainable blue economy

This research project aims to develop national standards for jobs related to sustainable use of ocean resources, also known as the “blue economy”.
Scientists look through microscope.
Project

Building resilience in the bio-economy

This project aims to help Canada’s bio-economy become more agile and resilient. It will engage BioTalent Canada’s network to research and evaluate innovative practices and technologies used by agile, resilient, and diverse Canadian bio-economy employers to excel in highly disruptive economic situations.
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Project

Navigating a changing workforce

This project aims to provide career intelligence and access to targeted training for professionals in the public service to help them navigate the changing workforce.
Two people sitting in a technology lab.
Project

MindFrame Connect

This project will create evidence-based programming needed to develop the mindset and resilience of Canada’s high-performing entrepreneurs and elevate the craft of mentorship.
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Project

Canadian cybersecurity skills and talent transformation

This project aims to transform the Canadian cybersecurity sector into a field that is inclusive and better positioned to meet the soaring demand for cybersecurity specialists in the country.
View more FSC projects

Learn more about our research and insights for workforce solutions

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Research

Building Inclusive Workplaces

A one-size-fits-all approach to pandemic recovery will not work. Programs tailored to the specific needs of specific groups will be important for a strong recovery, as will equitable access to critical supports, such as the infrastructure needed to overcome the digital divide. Businesses, governments and employees must all commit to reskilling — particularly when it comes to those from diverse groups who face barriers and bias — to develop an effective and inclusive skills and employment ecosystem that leaves no one behind.
Research

Responding to Automation: Building a Cleaner Futureexternal link icon

The Future Skills Centre and the Conference Board of Canada research the paths that workers could take to transition into sectors that are growing rapidly, starting with the clean economy.
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Research

Learning Bulletins, sharing knowledge and insights

Learning insights that gather research and early findings from our innovation projects to help navigate the future of work.
View more FSC research