Youth
Project
A pay-for-performance model for skills training
This project was designed to address two key issues related to training programs that address skills gaps in manufacturing—employer underinvestment and low participation. The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC), in partnership with Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC), piloted an outcomes-based “pay-for-performance” model, which reimbursed employers if they successfully supported the delivery of EMC’s Manufacturing Essentials Certification soft skills training program and met key performance targets.
September 17, 2025
26 minutes
Podcast
Season 5 | Episode 5
Learning from One Another: Skills, Training, and Workforce Development in Northern Communities
In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, host Jeremy Strachan explores the complex and evolving landscape of skills development and workforce training in Northern...
Featuring: Jeremy Strachan, Amanda Thompson, Kris Mullaly, Xina Cowan
Research
Learning from One Another: A Comparative Analysis of Labour Market Needs and Corresponding Skills in Northern Ontario, Yukon, and Nunavut
Labour markets in Northern Ontario, Yukon, and Nunavut are changing, but the pace and scale of that change are not well understood. This multi-year project provided a roadmap for governments, communities, and education and training providers to improve regional workforce readiness for existing and emerging opportunities.
Blog
Youth Unemployment—Here’s What We Can Do About It
Youth unemployment recently reached a nine-year record high. In May, one in five returning students aged 15 to 24 were unemployed.
Project
eCampusOntario Microcredentials: Getting People into Programs and into Jobs
Launched in 2021, eCampusOntario’s Micro-credentials Portal addresses skills mismatches in the labour market by offering short, industry-relevant learning programs.
Project
Bridging Psychometrics and Competencies in a Technology Supported Youth Employment Pathway - Project Integrate
The project sought to gain insights into how digital tools could support the career decisions of young people in Canada and facilitate the work of employment service providers.
Blog
Impact Story: Empowering the Future by Advancing Opportunities for Black Youth in STEM
As we look toward building a more inclusive and innovative future, it's essential to reflect on how we support Black youth pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Research
OpportuNext
The OpportuNext platform, developed by the Conference Board of Canada with support from the Future Skills Centre, addresses this gap by providing a free, bilingual and user-friendly digital tool that helps users explore career options based on skill similarity, salary prospects and job outlook.
Project
Success@Work Skills: Preparing Workers and Systems to Navigate Change
Developed in response to the challenges amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, this program combined competency-based microcredentials, culturally relevant curricula, and wraparound supports to empower participants with the skills and confidence to thrive in their chosen fields—while also helping meet evolving workforce needs.