State of Skills Report Series
The State of Skills report series explores key themes shaping skills development and the future of work in Canada. Drawing on insights and evidence from projects in our portfolio and external research, these reports provide a clearer understanding of what’s working in workforce development, for whom, and in what context.
Each report offers thematic insights, highlighting what approaches were tried, what was learned, and why those lessons matter. By sharing key takeaways and emerging perspectives, we help employers, labour groups, policymakers, and practitioners navigate the evolving skills landscape and focus on what works.
Our reports also address critical gaps in workforce policy and practice, identifying systemic barriers that hinder innovation and scalability across the country.
View our State of Skills Reports
Project
Unleashing AI into the skills development ecosystem
FSC-supported AI tools have bolstered outcomes in skills matching, career development guidance, and recruitment. The overall effectiveness of these tools was underpinned by recognizing and mitigating the inherent bias and discrimination embedded into these technologies.
Project
Digital Tools in the Skills Ecosystem
There is considerable promise in the role digital tools and virtual career services can play in improving access to training and career development, particularly for those with geographic barriers or constraints such as family care or other work responsibilities.
Project
Quality of Work
Improving quality of work, through better wages and benefits, social environments, security, safety, and inclusion, alongside skills and professional development is one part of a larger strategy to address these labour shortages.
Project
Leveraging the Skills of Newcomers
Key Insights The quality and intensity of employer engagement is critical to the overall success of interventions to support newcomers. Employer engagement needs to go…
Project
Better labour market transitions for mid-career workers
Key Insights There is considerable promise in the role digital tools and virtual career services can play in improving access to training and career development,…
Project
Sustainable jobs for economic growth
Key Insights Green-related skills and knowledge are growing in significance and are becoming widespread across many sectors and occupations, requiring more workers to upskill by…
Project
Effective Employer Engagement in Skills Development: From Rhetoric to Solutions
Key Insights Supporting employers in overcoming structural barriers to training investment is key to addressing labour and skill shortages. Ensuring that employers are actively engaged…
Project
Innovation in Training, Recruitment and Upskilling for Skilled Trades
Key Insights Canada needs to address long standing shortages of skilled tradespeople to advance policy priorities around decarbonization, affordable housing and transforming industry to add…