This week the United Nations celebrated World Youth Skills Day and it’s a good time to reflect on the critical role of skills in preparing young people for the workforce. 

The rapid evolution of technology, shifting demands of the job market, and a decrease in employer investment in training have left Canada with an enduring skills shortage, impacting both innovation and productivity.

Since the 1960s, post-secondary education has been playing catch-up. Institutions had to shift from theoretical subjects to practical, vocational training and, in later years, skills-based learning. As the pace of technological advancement accelerates, a single credential is no longer sufficient for a career spanning several decades. This realization has led to a fundamental rethinking of how we educate young people and prepare them for a world of work that is constantly evolving.

In the 1990s, in response to a growing trend of employers reporting that graduates lacked the skills they needed for jobs, colleges began offering graduate certificates to university graduates who, despite having a degree, still needed job-related skills. This shift set many colleges on a trajectory of providing hands-on, practical learning aimed at enhancing employability. The introduction of these graduate certificates marked a significant evolution in all post-secondary education, emphasizing the importance of practical, skills-based learning over traditional academic pathways. 

The next decade promises yet another transformation in post-secondary education, driven, in large part, by artificial intelligence. Canadians should expect an increase in micro-credentialing and digital badges that stack to build comprehensive expertise. These credentials will provide a more flexible and modular approach to education, allowing individuals to acquire specific skills and knowledge that can be tailored to their career goals. Additionally, there will be a focus on continuous learning through micro-credentials, helping workers adapt to new technologies and ways of working.

Alternative education models exist around the world and have shown promise in quickly equipping individuals with in-demand skills and credentials they need to thrive. These programs offer a fast-track to employment, often focusing on hands-on learning and real-world applications. In addition to technical skills, these programs can also deliver sought-after soft skills employers want such as teamwork, communication, conflict resolution, and taking responsibility. As colleges have moved to a more formal recognition of soft skills through competency-based models woven within the curriculum, these alternative models should become more common and expand within the Canadian context to respond to workforce needs.

Similarly, as the demand for skilled workers continues to grow, we should see more companies recognizing the value of investing in their own training programs or partnering with educational institutions and charities to create tailored training for their employees.

The future of building a skilled workforce must be characterized by flexibility, technology integration, partnerships, and strong industry alignment. Continuous learning and upskilling must become the norm, with industry, civil society, and educational institutions collaborating to prepare a workforce ready to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world. By embracing these changes, Canada can ensure that future generations are ready for what’s to come.

Canada’s economy hinges on our ability to equip young people with the skills needed for tomorrow’s jobs. Investing in education and training is not just about filling current job vacancies; it’s about anticipating future needs and ensuring our workforce is prepared to meet them. By providing accessible, practical skills training, we can break down barriers to employment and give all young Canadians the opportunity to thrive.

Furthermore, it's crucial to address the disparities in access to education and training opportunities. Rural and remote communities, as well as underrepresented groups, often face significant barriers to accessing the education and training they need. By investing in targeted programs and initiatives that address these disparities, we can ensure that all Canadians, regardless of their background or location, have pathways to employment.

This World Youth Skills Day, let’s commit to investing in the future of our youth and, by extension, the future of Canada. By embracing innovative education models, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing continuous learning, we can build a resilient, adaptable, and skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. 

By the CEO of The King’s Trust Canada, Farah Mohamed and the President & CEO of Humber College, Ann Marie Vaughan.