News Articles

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”

When I ask business leaders what keeps them up at night, it is not only about supply chains, inflation, or rising commodity prices. The No. 1 concern is about talent.

Read More > “Polytechnics can help fill Canada’s talent gaps”

While COVID-19 has posed – first and foremost – a health emergency, overcoming the broader social impact of the pandemic requires a much broader skillset.

The pandemic has shown that a healthy mix of resilience and innovation are critical to weathering setbacks and obstacles. These traits will be equally essential as Canada reignites its economy and builds for a stronger future.

Read More > “Resilience and innovation skills critical to pandemic recovery”

The transition from education to workplace and beyond used to be relatively straightforward: high school, post-secondary, job market, promotions, management, retirement. In today’s environment, with new complexities related to technology, shifting global markets, a desire for work-life balance and the speed of change, skills require constant reinvention.

Read More > “Approach to skills must be reinvented in post-pandemic Canada”

The pandemic has radically transformed the nature of work and learning, but if you think the big changes are over, think again.

Canada’s labour market is being reshaped by countless forces, from climate change to digital disruption, urbanization to shifting demographics. As we rebuild our economy in the wake of COVID-19, the stark reality of rapid, constant change must be front of mind.

Read More > “As we rebuild our economy, inclusive recovery is the next big challenge”