Research + White Papers
Research
Women in Trades: Progress, Barriers and Opportunities
The research addressed three core questions: What is the current state of women’s participation in skilled trades in Canada? What systemic barriers prevent women from entering, completing and advancing in the trades? And what strategies, domestically and internationally, have shown the most promise in addressing these barriers?
Research
Workforce Training in Canadian SMEs: Barriers and Promising Models
This project responds to the need for a clearer understanding of the factors shaping SME upskilling and the conditions under which training investments are more effective.
Research
The Right AI Tool for the Job: The Productivity Potential of AI Applications in Canada
Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to revolutionize work and drive productivity gains not seen in years. To assess the potential impact of AI, this analysis links AI application exposure to industry-level productivity outcomes.
Research
Pathways to Financing: Journeys of Successful Black Entrepreneurs
Building on other research and projects to support Black entrepreneurs, including BACEL and Capital Skills, this short report examines the pathways to financing taken by some well-known Black entrepreneurs in Canada.
Research
Bridging the Digital Skills Gap for Older Adults
This report examines how challenges related to affordability, health, design and usability, and infrastructure intersect with social, knowledge, attitudes, and emerging technology barriers shaping digital exclusion in older adults.
Research
Amped Up: Upskilling Canada's Heavy Duty Vehicle Mechanics to Support the Transition to Electric School Buses
This project examined how heavy-duty diesel mechanics can be effectively upskilled to support the transition to electric school buses.
Research
Retention in Healthcare: Migration Costs and Systems Perspectives
We undertook an examination of the cost of turnover and out-migration among Canadian healthcare workers, as well as how regulatory bodies and training organizations monitor and respond to workforce exits.
Research
Evaluating Opportunities and Challenges with Digital Twin Technology Adoption
This research from the University of Victoria examined the opportunities and challenges of digital twin adoption in key sectors in British Columbia. It used a mixed-methods approach, including semi-structured interviews with industry representatives and a survey of 143 professionals.
Research
Unlocking Canada’s Skills Potential: Training Pathways, Participation, and Outcomes Beyond Post-Secondary
Canada’s ability to address persistent skills shortages increasingly depends on how well its training system can keep pace with rapidly evolving labour market demands. While post‐secondary institutions (PSIs) provide a critical foundation for skills development, they are not designed to meet all workforce needs on their own.