Future Skills

Content from: Policy Options By: Noel Baldwin | January 21, 2025 While Canada gets decent grades in numeracy, literacy and problem-solving, the country is not a superstar performer.

Content from: TheFutureEconomy.ca January 20, 2025 The PIAAC (Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies) survey measures adult proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and adaptive problem-solving across countries. Despite increased educational attainment globally, PIAAC results show that skill levels, particularly in literacy, have not improved significantly, with a noticeable decline in some nations. Canada performed above the OECD average in all skill domains, with younger adults (25-34) showing the highest proficiency. The survey also highlights the importance of adaptive problem-solving skills, which are crucial for success in today’s rapidly changing job market, particularly in the face of technological advancements. However, the findings stress the need to address widening skill gaps, particularly for vulnerable populations such as those in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, who face barriers to education and training. Policymakers are urged to prioritize accessible and flexible training opportunities, foster collaboration between employers, the public sector, and trade unions, and integrate both technical and soft skills into educational frameworks to ensure equitable and effective workforce development.

We are excited to announce that Laura McDonough, Senior Manager of Policy and Research at the Future Skills Centre, will be speaking at the upcoming Beacon Community Services Forum.

What are the perceived impacts of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on postsecondary teaching and learning? In this research, we discuss the findings of our interviews...

Content from: National Observer, Cloe Logan | December 12, 2024 Shane Mullins cranks his neck backwards to see the top of the wind turbine he’s about to climb – a tower specifically for training. While it’s not as tall as the structures that run beside roads and stand parallel in fields, it’s inarguably high. It hits the same altitude as a 10-storey building, about half the height of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Catherine Charron, les affaires | Decembre 11, 2024 RHÉVEIL-MATIN. Au cours de la deuxième moitié de la décennie 2030, on devrait compter au Canada près d’un million de postes vacants au pays chaque année. L’un des principaux facteurs? L’inadéquation entre les compétences des travailleurs et les besoins des employeurs. Tout n’est pas perdu, si la société joue bien ses cartes, estime deux économistes du Conference Board of Canada, l’organisme qui tire la sonnette d’alarme.

Skills provide an essential foundation for employment, health, individual and community well-being, economic growth, and active and informed citizenship.

In this research, we look at the challenges neurodiversity poses for both post-secondary institutions and neurodiverse students. This study will be the first in Canada to explore how different types of institute approach inclusion for neurodiverse students.

We’re delighted to announce that Dr. Tricia Williams, Director of Research, Evaluation, and Knowledge Mobilization at Future Skills Centre, will be presenting at Unlocking Opportunities: Building Careers for a Sustainable Bioeconomy, part of the two-part webinar series organized by the Biomass Canada Cluster and the Supergen Bioenergy Hub in the UK.