FSC Podcast

Canada is facing wide-reaching demographic and technological changes that pose increasingly significant challenges to the world of work. The Future Skills Centre Podcast, presented by The Conference Board of Canada, will explore these crucial emerging challenges to the future of work. In each episode, we will unpack a unique issue facing Canadians and hear from varying perspectives—such as community members, decision-makers, and thought leaders—to discuss solutions and paths forward.

S3 Ep. 05: Indigenous Youth Entering the Labour Market

350,000 Indigenous youth are set to come of age by 2026, offering unique contributions as they enter the workforce. Discover the multifaceted impacts of Indigenous youth on the labour market as two distinguished experts delve into this topic. In this episode, they explore the challenges, opportunities, and incredible value that Indigenous youth bring to the modern job market and how companies can advance inclusive environments that honor and integrate Indigenous traditions, thereby empowering...

09-27
28:48

S3 Ep. 04: Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is a range of different ways of thinking, interacting, and processing information, and is especially important to the future of work. In this episode, experts in neurodiversity in the workplace join us to discuss the immense potential of neurodiverse individuals in professional settings. Our guests share practical strategies and valuable insights for employers looking to create supportive environments for neurodiverse employees - from implementing accommodations for all to fost...

08-09
26:33

S3 Ep. 03: Les femmes en entrepreneuriat

En 2020, les femmes représentaient seulement 16,8 % des propriétaires majoritaires de petites et moyennes entreprises (PME). Dans cet épisode, nous examinons l’expérience des femmes en entrepreneuriat, les obstacles à leur participation et la récente hausse du nombre d’entreprises fondées par des femmes. Nos invitées occupent des fonctions dirigeantes, l’une chez un gros pourvoyeur d’emplois et l’autre au sein d’une organisation qui aide les femmes entrepreneures et les réseaux qui les soutie...

06-22
44:31

S3 Ep. 02: L’intégration des nouveaux arrivants au Canada : l’exemple du Nouveau-Brunswick

En 2022, le Canada a accueilli un nombre record de nouveaux arrivants : plus de 431 000, qui sont devenus des résidents permanents. Dans cet épisode, nous explorerons la question de l’intégration économique et professionnelle de ces personnes au Canada, principalement dans le contexte du Nouveau-Brunswick.Nos invités sont des personnalités connues qui travaillent, l’un pour un gros employeur de la région, l’autre pour une organisation dont la mission est d’aider les nouveaux arrivants à parti...

03-15
26:25

S3 Ep. 01: Comprendre les pénuries de main-d’œuvre au Canada

Il y a plus de gens qui travaillent qu’avant la pandémie, mais la demande de main-d’œuvre demeure supérieure à l’offre. Dans cet épisode, nos invités font part de leurs points de vue sur le contexte économique entourant ces pénuries et leurs conséquences pour les entreprises canadiennes. Nous discutons de ce que cela signifie pour les responsables en matière de compétences, les employeurs et les travailleurs.Invités :- Pedro Antunes, économiste en chef, Le Co...

12-19
25:25

S2 Ep. 06: Skills for the Digital Economy

Technological change is affecting every sector, and these changes shift the roles and the skills in demand. Our guests share their perspectives on what needs to happen to ensure Canada has the skilled talent it needs to take full advantage of the growing digital economy. We hear about two rapid training initiatives that seek to help their learners transition mid-career to jobs in the digital economy.SpeakersGuestsNamir Anani, President & CEO, Information and Communications Technology Coun...

08-18
28:53

S2 Ep. 05: Skills for the Clean Economy

In the face of the climate crisis, shifting to more carbon-neutral economic activities is a necessity. The growth of this clean economy can also be an opportunity – for individuals to have in-demand and meaningful careers, and for Canada to become a global leader in this area. In this episode, we hear from three Canadian organizations. Our guests tell us about the growing clean technology and blue economy sectors, and about the skills needed in these sectors, and share their insights on what ...

07-07
26:07

S2 Ep. 04: Putting Microcredentials into Practice

Microcredentials are a recognition of learning, assessing specific competencies and addressing employer needs. In this episode, we discuss the rise of microcredentials, their potential, and ongoing challenges such as coordination across Canada and assessment quality. Our guests provide perspectives from industry and from post-secondary education and include Emma Gooch from eCampusOntario, Kerri Korabelnikov from Red River College Polytechnic, and Theresa Davis-Woodhouse from the Canadian Coun...

06-01
25:27

S2 Ep. 03: Supporting the Future of Small Business and Entrepreneurs through Skills Development

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are an important part of the Canadian economy and the workplace of many Canadians. But these businesses face steep difficulties in the coming years as COVID-19 government supports end. How can SMEs tackle challenges, such as skill and labour shortages, to flourish as businesses and employers?In this episode we speak to three guests about the economic trends and opportunities facing SMEs in their region, from remote-first small businesses to new jobs i...

04-21
29:55

S2 Ep. 02: Adapting to Change—The Case of Canada’s Hospitality & Tourism Industry

Restaurants, hotels, and attractions across Canada are an important place of work, particularly for youth, students, and newcomers to Canada. But with cycles of closures and layoffs, health and safety concerns, and new enforcement requirements due to COVID-19, there has been an exodus of workers from the hospitality and tourism industry. How are businesses rethinking their hiring, training, and compensation practices to adapt and recover?This episode explores issues of workforce development a...

03-16
19:51

S2 Ep. 01: Youth Employment and Skills Training for an Inclusive Recovery

We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. We know that COVID-19 has had disproportionate economic impacts on certain groups, including women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and newcomers to Canada. We are experiencing an undesirable “K-shaped recovery” where certain individuals and sectors recover more quickly than others. This episode highlights key challenges facing certain groups—such as Indigenous students and youth more broadly—when it comes to education and employment du...

01-13
21:41

Ep. 06: Gig Economy and Independent Workers

The nature of jobs is changing, with the growth of the gig economy and more work in all fields being tasked to contract workers, freelancers, and the self-employed. These independent workers lack the social support net that full-time employees benefit from. What are some ways to bridge the “support gap” and ensure that people don’t fall between the cracks in these precarious job markets?In our final episode of Season 1 of the Future Skills Centre podcast, we discuss this question and more wit...

10-26
38:52

Ep. 05: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Work—WIL

Canada ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of its rates of postsecondary education attainment as well as annual spending per postsecondary student. While a majority of education providers believe that our graduates are well-equipped for the workforce, a much lower proportion of students and employers share that belief.This points to a disconnect between the education and work worlds, one that could be bridged by incorporating real-world or experiential work into students’ educ...

10-12
32:06

Ep. 04: Upskilling and Reskilling (Mid-Career Workers)

Reskilling and upskilling are now imperative for both employees and organizations to keep pace with the digital and technological innovations that are changing the way we work. This is creating a new echelon of positions—those that require brand new skills and those that require an enhanced skillset.Investing in reskilling and upskilling is critical at the organizational and individual level to ensure mutual preparedness and success in the new technology-driven world. But how can governments,...

09-28
34:02

Ep. 03: Skilled Trades—Transitioning to a Digital, Green, and Human Future

Apprenticeships get a bad rap. All too often, we perpetuate negative images of the trades: dirty, low pay, and boring. These stereotypes couldn’t be further from the reality of work—young people who pursue an apprentice-able trade should expect intellectually stimulating work, increasingly diverse workplaces, and significant opportunity for financial reward.The knowledge and skills of our construction, manufacturing, automotive, and food service tradespeople can help support Canada’s transiti...

09-14
34:52

Ep. 02: Addressing Inequalities in the Workforce

Driven by an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens, the Future Skills Centre recognizes the competitive advantage that comes from fostering innovative solutions which address the needs of underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, including women, youth, newcomers, racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, and people from Indigenous, rural, remote, and northern communities.Through authentic engagement with grassroots organizations and diverse communities across Canada, ...

08-31
27:27

Ep. 01: Developing Social and Emotional Skills in an Automated World

We’ve all heard it before: Technology is disrupting the world of work, eliminating “low skill” jobs and harming the future of the trades. Daunting? Sure. But there’s also growing demand for a specific type of worker. One with the ability to problem solve, lead, collaborate, communicate, and adapt to the ever-evolving world of work. In other words, there is a growing demand for strong social and emotional skills. The problem is, there is a gap between the demand for these skills and the skills...

08-17
30:32

Ep. 00: Trailer—Future Skills Centre Podcast Series

A podcast exploring some of the most crucial emerging challenges to the future of work, presented by The Conference Board of Canada.Ce balado a été enregistré en anglais, mais vous pouvez en lire la transcription en français.

08-13
01:27

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