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 provide a critical foundation for skills development, they are not designed to meet all workforce needs on their own. As technologies, occupations, and skill requirements continue to change, learners are turning to a broader ecosystem of training providers to build, update, and apply skills over time.
Drawing on a national survey of more than 1,000 Canadians who recently completed training, we compare individuals whose most recent program took place outside the post-secondary system with those whose most recent program was solely within it. This analysis shows how complementary learning pathways shape employment outcomes and identifies actionable implications for workforce development policy, funding, and system coordination.
Key insights
Post-secondary education is only a starting point for most learners. Over 80 per cent of learners whose most recent training occurred outside the traditional system already hold a post-secondary credential, indicating that learners use these pathways to extend, update, and apply prior education.
Skills are built cumulatively across this ecosystem. Ninety per cent of learners engage with multiple providers beyond post‐secondary, assembling skills over time rather than acquiring them through a single institution or program.
Training beyond the post-secondary system is helping address critical workforce needs. Learners who pursue this type of training are more likely to work in sectors facing persistent shortages—including construction, manufacturing, and mining, oil and gas—while also being well represented in health and education.
More from FSC
Meeting the Demand for Talent
Women in Trades: Progress, Barriers and Opportunities
Workforce Training in Canadian SMEs: Barriers and Promising Models
Have questions about our work? Do you need access to a report in English or French? Please contact communications@fsc-ccf.ca.