It’s at polytechnics and colleges where businesses experiment with new technology, processes, and software. These institutions often put students to work on real-world business challenges.
Canada’s workforce is facing two distinct pressure points – an aging workforce and the emergence of disruptive technology. As new technologies become pervasive, the current workforce and recent graduates alike must develop new and in-demand skills to stay relevant in the labour market. As the pace at which Canadians are retiring also increases, the talent pipeline must become more efficient, with qualified workers ready to fill looming vacancies. While these issues are affecting the workforce broadly, the skilled trades are facing these dual challenges faster than most.
In this compendium of stories and examples from across our institutions, we identify the four ingredients of excellence in skilled trades training:
When the federal Liberals took power in 2015, they made evidence a key priority in policy-making. Yet, three years on, we still don’t have the data that will enable the development of a future-forward workforce in Canada. We have data that focuses largely on traditional occupations, but the changing nature of jobs, and the need for whole new skill sets, requires that we broaden our thinking.
Companies looking to build innovative technologies, capitalize on expertise and solve business challenges will find this resource helpful to understanding how to work with Canada’s post-secondary institutions. Released by the Business + Higher Education Roundtable in collaboration with Polytechnics Canada, this guide outlines practical steps to building mutually beneficial relationships with polytechnics and colleges.
The changing nature of work is a hot topic these days and policy makers across the globe must grapple with the challenges it presents. In our search for solutions, we need to remember that the future of work is inextricably linked to the future of education.
Read More > “Robot Proof: What Joseph Aoun’s latest book means for higher education in Canada”
When leaders of the world’s seven most advanced economies meet on June 8 and 9 in Charlevoix, Que., the top-line agenda item will be preparing for the jobs of the future.
It’s hard to find anyone these days who’s not talking about artificial intelligence (AI), robots, automation, the gig economy and what it all means for the future of work. Global diplomatic circles are no different. In June, when leaders of the world’s seven most advanced economies meet in Charlevoix, Quebec, the top-line agenda item will be preparing for the jobs of the future.
Read More > “Our planning for the future of work must include education”
Outstanding discovery research occurs at universities across the country. However, far too often, this research fails to arrive at the commercial marketplace. Consecutive governments have attempted to tackle this challenge, focusing research dollars on particular aspects of the research-innovation ecosystem. This has left those not in the funding limelight to cry protest, plead neglect or worse, be under-valued. Yet the reality is that we need to support all types of research.
Read More > “Applied research is reclaiming contaminated urban industrial sites”
Key recommendations include:
