Pathways to Jobs
The post-pandemic world of work has accelerated the pace of employment transitions, with many Canadians changing jobs, sectors and regions throughout their working lives. Often, career transitions are motivated by people looking to improve their quality of work but in many other cases the mid-career transition results from external factors such as technology and the shift towards a net-zero economy.
Our projects design and test innovative career development models to better equip Canadians with the supports they need to optimize transitions.
Key Insights
Multiple factors are accelerating the pace of career transitions in recent years.
Many Canadians lack the supports they need to help them make informed career choices.
Career development practitioners need support and capacity to navigate an increasingly complex world of work.
How are mid-career workers supported to upskill?
Skills Central Blog: Adults and career services
The Issue: Career services need an upgrade
Many adults do not have access to the supports needed to navigate their career paths. The structure of career guidance services in Canada doesn’t match the evolving world of working life. Currently, publicly funded employment and career services for older adults primarily focus on helping those who are unemployed to quickly get work. These services are not well-suited for most working-age Canadians seeking career guidance.
More and more Canadians are changing jobs or industries throughout their working lives. Yet large numbers are not accessing career services because they are not aware of them, don’t feel the need for them or because they face barriers to access. As a result, the incidence of Canadians receiving help in navigating their career pathways is among the lowest in the OECD.
Why It Matters
Career guidance helps people adapt to the future of work and builds paths to lifelong learning. Research suggests career guidance plays a pivotal role in reducing barriers to information, training and employment. Those who receive career guidance are supported in identifying opportunities and successfully navigating their career pathways. Confidence increases as a result, which boosts self-efficacy. The result for individuals is more effective decision-making in training and occupation choices over the long term.
Career guidance helps people adapt to the future of work and builds paths to lifelong learning. Research suggests career guidance plays a pivotal role in reducing barriers to information, training and employment. Those who receive career guidance are supported in identifying opportunities and successfully navigating their career pathways. Confidence increases as a result, which boosts self-efficacy. The result for individuals is more effective decision-making in training and occupation choices over the long term.
Learn more about our projects and research focused on pathways to jobs
Responsive career pathways
Are Adults Making Use of Career Services in Canada?
