Innovation Projects
Project
Atlantic Autism Supports and Employment Network (AASEN)
Although research has shown that neurodivergent individuals can be highly engaged and productive employees, autistic individuals in the Atlantic Region are significantly underrepresented in the labour market. To address this issue, Autism Nova Scotia created the Atlantic Autism Supports and Employment Network (AASEN).
Project
Accelerating the Smooth Adoption of Smart Systems
Through modifications to existing engineering programs, McMaster University sought to expand the work-integrated learning opportunities offered to students in two of its engineering programs. The goal was to provide students technical skills via projects provided by industry partners in hopes of accelerating their adoption of digital technologies.
Project
Accelerating the Appropriate Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Despite its ability to positively transform healthcare, there is some reluctance among healthcare providers to adopt artificial intelligence within their practice. This project set out to tackle these challenges and capitalize on the potential of AI in healthcare.
Project
Using behavioural insights to increase post-secondary and career services participation
In the context of a rapidly changing world of work, Canadians need access to better and more relevant labour market information (LMI) to make informed decisions while navigating the labour market.
This project, through the execution of a number of randomized control trials, tested how best to inform, empower, and engage Canadians when it comes to making decisions about work.
State of Skills
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
Future-Proofing the Food and Beverage Processing Workforce
This program offered online courses that covered technical and social-emotional skills for different groups of workers. It also provided support and resources to employers and participants.
Project
Synergy: Workforce Development for Vulnerable Women to Succeed
The project aimed to advance gender equity in the Canadian labour market and address the unique challenges women and equity-deserving groups face in accessing gainful employment.
Project
Harnessing the digital economy for women of colour in Canadian undergraduate STEM programs
A large percentage of people from diverse groups recruited into STEM undergraduate programs do not complete a STEM degree. This project conducted a systematic literature review exploring current research about retention efforts for women of colour in post-secondary STEM programs.
Project
Construct Blue Door Support Services
Durham Region in Ontario has an ongoing housing and skilled trades worker shortage, disproportionately affecting low-income and marginalized populations, further exacerbated by the pandemic. To address this issue, the Blue Door team, which first launched its Construct social enterprise initiative in York Region in 2020, expanded to Durham in the following year with support from the Future Skills Centre.