Across Canada
Project
FUSION: Future Skills Innovation Network for Universities
The program focused on building metacognition (awareness or understanding of one’s own thinking), communication and problem-solving skills through flexible, experiential and reflective learning delivered in co-op programs across humanities, social sciences and STEM disciplines.
Research
Mapping Food Sustainability in Canada: Addressing Food Insecurity and Skills Pathing to the Agriculture Sector
Community food production through gardens and greenhouses has gained traction to address food insecurity, and offer skills pathing and sector visibility for agriculture and agrifood careers. In this report, the authors mapped the current ecosystem of food sustainability initiatives to understand the current coverage of food sustainability programs in Canada.
Project
Development of Canada’s National Occupational Standards for a Sustainable Blue Economy
Canada boasts the world’s largest coastline; however, its ocean-related industries contribute only 1% to the GDP, significantly trailing behind other nations. This project identified a pressing need for specialized training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to bridge the skills gap in ocean-related occupations in the sustainable blue economy (SBE), including marine transport and ocean technology.
In the Media
What one factory closure tells us about building resilient communities
International lessons show that localized skills training, community-led planning and tailored supports can help workers adapt without leaving the communities they call home.
In the Media
Effective nation-building starts with the people and places where it happens
Strategic place-based industrial planning that attracts new investment and aligns workforce development with regional economic diversification can help spur community renewal.
Research
Technology and Agriculture: Adoption and Barriers
Without explicit educational support, small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) and diverse-owned agribusiness may be left out of the AgTech revolution. Skills-based supports are needed to maintain market competitiveness and ensure technology literacy and adoption issues are equalized—not accentuated—among groups.
Research
Supporting Rural Agriculture Entrepreneurship: Reframing the Discourse
This research examined how agriculture sector stereotypes impair the growth and sustainability of the sector. Rural agriculture entrepreneurs face several challenges more than traditional businesses.
Research
Learning from Place-Based Approaches on the Road to Net Zero : International Lessons in Skills Training and Workforce Development
Global and Canadian efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shift away from fossil fuels have created a central policy question: How can workers, sectors and regions adapt and develop the skills needed for a low-carbon future?
Video
SN Impact Media Interview with FSC Executive Director, Noel Baldwin
Noel Baldwin has been the Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre (FSC) since June, 2024. He brings nearly two decades of experience in leading strategic initiatives and policy development in postsecondary education, adult learning and skills development.
Since joining FSC in 2019 as Director of Government and Public Affairs, Noel has provided leadership in navigating the complex skills ecosystem and working with diverse stakeholders to foster innovation in skills development that addresses the evolving needs of the workforce and promotes inclusive economic growth. FSC has successfully forged strong relationships with federal departments, provinces, territories, municipalities, and international organizations like the OECD. His efforts drove FSC’s early strategic initiatives, including targeted investments addressing critical gaps across regions and sectors.