The building trades, transportation, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing will all be affected A newly public federal document reveals that more than 2.7 million jobs across Canada can expect a “significant disruption” as a result of Ottawa’s Just Transition plan to reduce emissions. Ironically, it comes at the same time as new analysis showing that world…
But women have challenges that most men don’t have when entering the trades
The fridge has stopped working, and your frozen food is melting. You call your usual appliance repair service only to find its cadre of four technicians has dwindled to two overloaded workers. They’ll do their best to come as soon as possible but can’t give a specific date. You contact friends about stuffing some food…
Born out of frustration with a male-dominated industry, The Red Bench is as much about community building as welding
When Mack (Mackenzi) Johnston withdrew from engineering studies at a previous university, she felt discouraged and uninspired. The obstacles she faced in the male-dominated industry seemed insurmountable at times, and the path to success murky at best. Buoyed by memories of working alongside her father in his garage as a youth, Johnston recalled how strong…
Why is change so slow?
Why on Earth has Canada not been able to change the number of women entering and progressing in skilled trades careers or associated apprenticeship programs? We’ve been talking about this subject for too long. For many women who trailblazed and pushed their way into skilled trades jobs over the last decades, it must feel exhausting.…
We can’t talk about the future of work without also talking about the future of education
By Nobina Robinson and Daniel Komesch Polytechnics 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. What exactly does this agenda item mean for the Canadian workers, students and employers? The proliferation…
The graduate employment rate for bachelor’s degree holders from Polytechnics Canada members was 91 per cent in 2015-16
There are bachelor’s degrees and there are applied bachelor’s degrees. The difference – when it comes to finding fulfilling employment – can be dramatic. In late November, Statistics Canada released its comprehensive reports on education, covering a wide range of topics, including overall education attainment and the skills mismatches and earnings potential of bachelor’s degree…
Manitoba’s Red River College’s Smart Factory offers a solution by bringing students and industry together
Automation has become a scary word. As new technologies proliferate, unease and uncertainty surround the labour market of the future. Will jobs be destroyed? Created? Can a robot really replace what I do? What kind of career should my child pursue if we don’t know what the jobs of the future will look like? How can…
Nearly half of the Canadian labour force is at high risk of automation within the next two decades, so how should we prepare?
Automation has become a scary word. As new technologies proliferate, unease and uncertainty surround the labour market of the future. Will jobs be destroyed? Created? Can a robot really replace what I do? What kind of career should my child pursue if we don’t know what the jobs of the future will look like? How…
The federal $221-million investment in work‑integrated learning placements for post-secondary students and graduates must include colleges and polytechnics
By Nobina Robinson Polytechnics Canada and Denise Amyot Colleges and Institutes Canada When parliamentarians return to their ridings for the summer recess, they’ll have many opportunities to congratulate this spring’s post-secondary graduates, proud of their achievements and eager to take their place in the workforce. Students with credentials from one of Canada’s colleges, institutes or…
An inclusive talent strategy for innovation must include polytechnics and colleges – to produce skilled workers who can carry out, and scale up, concepts
Nations need to have well-articulated strategies addressing science, innovation, competitiveness and productivity. Confusing or conflating these distinct but complementary goals is a recipe for underperformance. And, sadly, Canada underperforms where innovation is concerned. We need to take a closer look at how we develop and fund innovation talent in Canada to change this dubious record. While…