News Articles

Polytechnic institutions have been pioneers for developing microcredentials, stackable credentials, and other programs that don’t come with a four-year degree. This focus on digestible, shorter credentials, is preparing graduates for the workforce like never before. 

Read More > “Polytechnic institutions paved the way for microcredentials”

For the last two years, Canadians—and indeed the world well beyond our borders—have been focused on COVID-19. Yet, even before the pandemic upended our everyday lives, Canada’s economy and labour market were undergoing a significant transformation. New technology, demographic shifts and industrial transformations were already affecting the supply and demand for talent.

Despite months of economic turmoil, today’s call for skilled workers is increasingly urgent. Businesses and governments recognize that today’s workers must bring a combination of talents to the table—technical skills, an innovation mindset and tremendous resilience to change.

Read More > “Practical innovation: Beyond COVID”

Although Canada’s immediate priority is finishing the fight against COVID-19, we must not lose sight of the challenges on the horizon. An aging population will require new approaches to and solutions for healthcare. Achieving net-zero emissions to fight climate change will impact every sector of the economy. Indigenous reconciliation requires an intentional effort and the resources to support it. Layered across these issues, technological disruption is rampant in an increasingly digital world.

Read More > “Applied research in post-pandemic Canada”

Canada’s polytechnics are taking a bold approach to post-secondary learning by focusing on experiential education that is hands-on and practical. Programs on offer are industry-driven to help students develop critical workplace skills through work-integrated learning opportunities.

Read More > “How is education different at Canadian polytechnics?”

One of the most surprising impacts of COVID-19 has been the reshaping of Canada’s workforce. While workplaces were adopting new technology and rethinking critical skill needs before the pandemic, it was remote work, school closures and health concerns that tipped the scales.

The Canadian economy has now replaced more jobs than were lost at the height of the pandemic, but high rates of job vacancy speak to a critical labour shortages in the months ahead.

Read More > “Mid-career skills training will be key to addressing Canada’s labour challenges”

Our economy’s ability to recover from the pandemic, and our potential to rebuild with confidence, hinges on the well-being of local industry and community partners working together. In particular, they must innovate, problem-solve and take bold risks to thrive in a volatile economic landscape.

Applied research is a powerful tool that keeps post-secondary institutions attuned to the ever-changing needs of industry and community. Polytechnic education combines academic and hands-on learning with the impact of that critical research on real-world problems.

Read More > “Polytechnics are strengthening communities through applied research and innovation”

After nearly two years of business uncertainty and worldwide economic contraction, employers across sectors are talking about skill shortages again.  Job vacancies are at an all-time high only 22 months after millions of Canadians were sidelined by COVID. 

Read More > “Post-secondary institutions need to step up to prepare graduates for new realities”

As Canadian businesses recover from the effects of COVID-19, the productivity and skills gap twins have re-entered the conversation.

According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada continues to have low productivity scores. Our GDP forecast currently sits below the world average, and that gap is projected to increase over time. Meanwhile, disruptions due to technology, changing market demands and environmental, social and governance initiatives create hiring and retraining challenges for businesses.

Read More > “More integrated relationship between post-secondary institutions and industry can boost Canada’s lagging productivity”

Polytech institutions may have been left in the shadows but with the increasing need of non-degree education, their role is rapidly evolving. Communities are looking to these schools to help get them back into the workforce and fill the talent pipeline. In this interview, Sarah Watts-Rynard discusses how the role of polytech institutions has change, the movement of microcredentials and how polytechs can be valuable to their community and non-degree education space.

Read More > “The evolving role of polytechnic institutions: Uniting agility and quality”