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A competitive workforce is key to ensuring Canada’s economic growth, but as global and domestic labour trends accelerate, gaps are appearing between the demands of industry and the skillset of available workers.
The Government of Canada is taking action to align the skills ecosystem with new industry demands.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced a $250 million program will be launched to support short-cycle upskilling programs driven by industry needs in high-growth sectors.
In partnership with Palette Skills, this Upskilling for Industry Initiative will leverage a cross-Canada network to connect industry, employers, post-secondary institutions and private training providers to deliver upskilling programs.
This investment is expected to help more than 15,000 Canadian workers, including those from under-represented groups, transition into new jobs in high-growth sectors such as digital technology, cybersecurity, agriculture technology, advanced manufacturing, clean technology and biomanufacturing.
Established in 2017, Palette Skills has in-depth experience leading and delivering upskilling programs throughout Canada, across a range of high-growth sectors, getting people to jobs.
As a national delivery partner, Palette Skills will work to connect industry, employers, post-secondary institutions, and private training providers, to deliver short-cycle upskilling programs to high-potential workers.
Programs will be co-designed with industry and employers to reflect the skills and talent needs of our most innovative companies.
Short-cycle upskilling initiatives will provide workers with the most up-to-date and in-demand skills, enabling them to adapt and succeed in a changing economy, and they will help fast-growing businesses thrive as they gain access to new sources of qualified talent.
“Today’s commitment by the federal government is incredibly exciting for all of us at Palette Skills and for our partners across the country. Canada’s labour market is facing significant challenges but we know that, through the expertise and experience of Palette Skills and our partners, and through our mutual commitment to innovation, we will enable firms to meet their changing workforce needs and secure skilled talent,” said Janet Yale, the Chair of Palette Skills Board of Directors.
“Equally important, we will ensure that workers across Canada have the opportunity to secure employment in high growth sectors of the economy through increased access to industry-driven upskilling.”