Research + White Papers
Research
Understanding the Future of Skills: Trends and Global Policy Responses
Studies on the future of work tend to focus on the jobs at risk of automation, with projections varying widely from 6% to 59%. Sunil Johal and Michael Urban take a different approach in reviewing eight expert reports and the actions taken by nine countries to prepare for the challenges ahead. They distill key lessons for Canada to ensure workers are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in tomorrow’s economy, whatever shape it takes.
Research
There’s a revolution happening in skilled trades
The revolution is being sparked by automation, low-carbon economies, digitization, and other emerging work trends. These new technologies need skills that are not usually at the core of a trade school education.
Research
Applied and Experiential Skills
In this multi-year project, our team of researchers will study and support ongoing work-integrated learning initiatives in Canada focusing on the drive to create more experiential learning opportunities, especially among vulnerable populations, while also zeroing in on apprenticeship training.
Research
The Future is Social and Emotional
Demand for skilled employees is not new, but the skills considered “in demand” have evolved. While developing skills is a life-long endeavour, the skills that Canadians learn through post-secondary training are key to workplace success. Demand for social and emotional skills is growing. Are we doing enough to prepare Canadians for the evolving workplace?
Research
Skills Next Series
The Public Policy Forum, the Diversity Institute, and the Future Skills Centre have joined together to publish Skills Next, a series that explores what is working in workplaces, universities, and the labour market – and where workers are falling through the gaps in our skills training system. Each report focuses on one issue — such as the impact of technology in the workplace, gig work, digital skills, and barriers to employment that some marginalized groups experience -- and reviews the existing state of knowledge on this topic and identifies areas in need of additional research.
Research
Indigenizing Corporate Canada
This research project will help inform the development of more appropriate career resources and supports to increase Indigenous representation in Canada’s finance and management professions.
Research
STEM for Indigenous Learners
This research project will explore what works for effectively designing, teaching, and supporting cross-cultural Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curricula for Indigenous learners in secondary and post-secondary fields of study.
Research
Getting Beyond Non-Standard Employment: Sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous communities in Northern Canada
This research project seeks to understand why Indigenous workers in Canada’s North tend to be concentrated in part-year and part-time work, and which career pathways and supports can help them achieve more sustainable livelihoods.
Research
Assessing Canada’s Skills Requirements in the 21st Century
This project will develop a comprehensive skills framework to describe the Canadian workforce, assess the types of skills currently required by employers and offered by employees, and propose strategies for policymakers to mitigate the growing skills shortage.