Innovation Projects
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.
Project
Enhancing a National Recruitment System for the Unionized Construction Industry
This project’s overall goal was to design and test virtual strategies to recruit more individuals, especially those from underrepresented groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized people, newcomers and youth), to careers in the construction trades.
State of Skills
Working with Black Communities
Black peoples in Canada experience widespread systemic anti-Black racism in education systems and the labour market. More needs to be done to name and address anti-Black racism in the skills ecosystem, including efforts to change employer behaviour to make workplaces more inclusive.
Project
Inuvialuit Skills Matrix
Seeking to augment its database, this project sought to create the first inventory of Inuvialuit employment, skills, training, Traditional Knowledge and education.
Project
Analysis of Programs for Welcoming Talented Immigrants
This research project led by Concordia University investigated a range of onboarding strategies, focusing on the integration of immigrants with technical or trade skills into manufacturing SMEs.
Project
CRADLE+: Canadian Remote Access for Dementia Learning Experiences
This project aimed to expand on an already-established program known as Canadian Remote Access for Dementia Learning Experiences (CRADLE), a free and accessible dementia care training program aimed at UWCs.
Project
Career Advancement for Immigrant Professionals
The Career Advancement for Immigrant Professionals (CAIP) program, initiated in Toronto, aimed to address the significant underemployment of skilled immigrant professionals in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
State of Skills
Work-Integrated Learning
Work-integrated learning can be effective in developing technical and soft skills among learners at different levels, including in high schools, colleges and universities and in professional roles.
Project
Work in Manitoba
This project sought to address the challenges employers in the province were facing in connecting with the right talent and having to navigate multiple recruitment platforms with no guarantee that postings would reach qualified candidates.