May 22, 2025 – OTTAWA – At its annual gathering of polytechnic leaders last week, Polytechnics Canada released a new report connecting critical labour market demand in five key sectors to the skills development programming offered at its member institutions.

Skilled & Ready: Polytechnic Solutions for Canada’s Labour Market Demand illustrates the important role polytechnic institutions play preparing graduates to work in healthcare, skilled trades, information technology, tourism and hospitality, and care occupations.

Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of more than 2 million job postings, the report notes that despite a cooling labour market in 2023, all five sectors experienced robust hiring demand.  Collectively, the occupational clusters accounted for 65 per cent of the most sought-after skilled roles and represented a fifth of all job postings in 2023.  Polytechnics Canada member institutions offer programming in 86 per cent of in-demand skilled occupations within the clusters.

“In today’s fast-paced world of work, polytechnics offer learners a combination of technical and employability skills, preparing them for success in high-demand fields,” said Sarah Watts-Rynard, CEO of Polytechnics Canada.  “Maintaining that value proposition requires vigilance and flexibility, consistent communication with and input from employers, as well as the ability to update and renew technology, equipment and other infrastructure to stay ahead of emerging trends.”

Contributing to the report, The Conference Board of Canada drew insights from Vicinity Jobs, Statistics Canada and its proprietary Model of Occupations, Skills and Technology, focusing on labour market demand in the five provinces where Polytechnics Canada members are located.

Watts-Rynard noted, “This research reaffirms the vital role that polytechnics play in Canada’s productivity, equipping learners with the skills to succeed in high-demand occupations and helping close critical skills gaps.”

Released only weeks after the April 28 federal election, the report offers policy recommendations for the new government, underlining the important role of post-secondary education to Canada’s competitiveness.

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Media Contact
Kamila Graczyk
Communications Coordinator
613-656-1541 ext. 227
kamila@polytechnicscanada.ca