The federal government is investing nearly $100 million over five years through the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, which supports upskilling and reskilling initiatives across Canada amid a “rapidly shifting global landscape.”
The $100, five-year investment is spread across 14 different organizations as well as an array of sectors, including aerospace, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and other technology-based industries.
The projects focus on labour market information gathering and the identification of skilling trends, which the government posits is “essential to tackling urgent priorities.”
“Building a strong economy means understanding existing gaps and barriers and helping our workforce access meaningful opportunities,” explains Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs.
Canadian workers “are the backbone of our economy, driving success in every corner of our country,” Hajdu stated. “By investing in key sectors and resources, we are equipping industries and workers with the tools they need to succeed today, and the confidence to lead tomorrow.”
“Providing Sectoral Labour Market Intelligence is a key element of any economic development strategy, says Rob Henderson, chief executive officer of BioTalent Canada.
“It forms the foundation of workforce and skills developments and provides young people, employers, and job seekers with the information to pursue meaningful careers and prosperity for all Canadians,” he commented.
For example, the Information and Communications Technology Council is receiving capital to produce labour market intelligence focused on the sector’s skills needs and occupations that are foundational to the sector’s growth. The org will also provide skills assessments for workers within the sector to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the sector.
The Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, meanwhile, will deliver a digital platform to collect and disseminate current and forecasted intelligence for 80 manufacturing occupations throughout 14 manufacturing sub-sectors.
And the Mining Industry Human Resources Council is planning to produce intelligence around technological advancements in the energy sector and how that will affect skilling needs moving forward.
