References

This database has been compiled to provide a searchable repository on published research addressing “future skills” that will be a useful tool for researchers and individuals interested in the future of work and the future of skills.

The database integrates existing bibliographies focused on future skills and the future of work as well as the results of new ProQuest and Google Scholar searches. The process of building the database also involved consultations with experts and the identification of key research organizations publishing in this area, as well as searches of those organizations’ websites. For a more detailed explanation of how the database was assembled, please read the Future Skills Reference Database Technical Note.

The current database, assembled by future skills researchers at the Diversity Institute, is not exhaustive but represents a first step in building a more comprehensive database. It will be regularly updated and expanded as new material is published and identified. In that vein, we encourage those with suggestions for improvements to this database to connect with us directly at di.fsc@ryerson.ca.

From this database, we also selected 39 key publications and created an Annotated Bibliography. It is designed to serve as a useful tool for researchers, especially Canadian researchers, who may need some initial guidance in terms of the key references in this area.

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Reference

Engineering labour market in Canada: Projections to 2025

The 2015 Engineers Canada Labour Market Study provides supply and demand projections for 14 engineering occupations. The report highlights a large and growing need to replace retiring engineers as they exit the workforce. This is particularly relevant for civil, mechanical, electrical and electronic engineers as well as computer engineers. Replacement demand for engineers is an important theme that will be relevant for the next decade as the baby boom generation retires.
Reference

The future of work: A literature review

An enormous amount of literature has emerged over the last few years in the context of the “Future of Work”. Academics, think tanks and policy makers have fuelled rich discussions about how the future of work might look like and how we can shape it. Indeed, labour markets in developing and developed countries are likely to undergo major transformations in the next years and decades. However, despite a growing body of research in this area, there exists no universally accepted definition of what exactly the “Future of Work” encompasses and what the most relevant drivers are. Accordingly, there is a vast variety of themes and methods covered by the literature on the Future of Work. Few papers cut across a multidimensional analysis of the different potential drivers of change. This literature review provides the first systematic and synoptic overview of topics discussed under the umbrella of the “Future of Work”. It not only highlights the trends of the most important drivers as discussed in existing studies, it also defines what the expected outcomes of the future of work might be. The review first devises a structure based on key labour market dimensions and then categorises findings from the literature conditioned on such dimensions. It also contains an assessment on the coverage of the studies on the future of work and perceived limitations and thematic gaps.
Reference

Canadian occupational projection system 2017 projections: Industrial summaries 2017-2026

The occupational projections prepared under the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) require the production of a macroeconomic scenario and an industrial scenario to determine future long-term trends in overall employment growth and in the distribution of employment across industries and occupations. The future long-term trends in Canada’s economic growth and industrial structure will be heavily influenced by demographic developments, namely slower population growth and population aging. Such demographic changes, which cannot be avoided, are projected to have a major influence in the long-term evolution of Canada's labour force, employment, potential output, final domestic demand, and industrial composition of the economy. This report presents the industrial scenario that underlies the 2017 COPS projections. This scenario was developed in collaboration with the Conference Board of Canada based on information available as of Spring 2017. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical and future trends for each of the 42 industries defined by COPS. Those 42 industries cover the entire economy and are based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), edition 2012
Reference

Computers and the future of skill demand

Computer scientists are working on reproducing all human skills using artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics. Unsurprisingly then, many people worry that these advances will dramatically change work skills in the years ahead and perhaps leave many workers unemployable. This report develops a new approach to understanding these computer capabilities by using a test based on the OECD’s Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) to compare computers with human workers. The test assesses three skills that are widely used at work and are an important focus of education: literacy, numeracy and problem solving with computers. Most workers in OECD countries use the three skills every day. However, computers are close to reproducing these skills at the proficiency level of most adults in the workforce. Only 13% of workers now use these skills on a daily basis with a proficiency that is clearly higher than computers. The findings raise troubling questions about whether most workers will be able to acquire the skills they need as these new computer capabilities are increasingly used over the next few decades. To answer those questions, the report’s approach could be extended across the full range of work skills. We need to know how computers and people compare across all skills to develop successful policies for work and education for the future.
Reference

Generation Y and the gigging economy: The transformation of UK graduate career aspirations and what this means for businesses

In this report we’ll examine what gigging means and the extent to which Gen Y high fliers are choosing it as an alternative career path. We look at some of the key drivers and motivations behind their choices and the reactions of their Baby Booming parents. Finally, we'll look at future gigging trends and the implications of the rise of the “Gigging Economy” for businesses wanting to recruit and retain the very best talent in this generation of workers. Our research indicates that the gigging trend will require businesses to evolve their thinking around how they structure workforces and workplaces – and indeed perhaps redefine the very concept of what “work” is.
Reference

How Germany is tackling the future of work

The German government has been consulting on how jobs will be impacted by technology, and how workers could be supported effectively in the future.
Reference

Interests: COPS

The Career Occupational Preference System Interest Inventory (COPS) measures an examinee’s level of interest in each of the 14 COPSystem VIA Career Clusters. This 20-minute survey is used to explore career interests based on likes and dislikes. The COPS Interest Inventory emphasizes a proactive approach to career exploration, featuring career and educational planning, along with a listing of suggested activities to gain relevant experience
Reference

Values: COPES

he Career Orientation Placement and Evaluation Survey (COPES) measures personal values in the workplace. This 20-minute survey is the perfect tool for aligning an examinee’s personal values to careers. Each of the eight values scales are keyed to the 14 COPSystem VIA Career Clusters helping examinees to find occupational areas that match their personal values. Aligning your values with your career is an important predictor of occupational success and satisfaction.
Reference

Abilities: CAPS

The Career Ability Placement Survey (CAPS) helps examinees relate their current levels of ability to career clusters. It is a comprehensive, multidimensional battery consisting of eight, five-minute tests designed to measure abilities that are related to performing a job. Each of the eight ability dimensions are keyed to entry level requirements for occupations in each of the 14 COPSystem VIA Career Clusters. Ability scores are interpreted in terms of examinees' abilities relative to others at the same educational level.