A new research series called Skills for the Post Pandemic World has revealed a growing polarization in Canada’s job market. Since 1989, high-skilled jobs have increased by almost 8 per cent, while mid- and low-skilled jobs have decreased. And Canadians in high-skilled positions earn nearly four times more than those in low-skilled jobs.

At the same time, skill vacancies in Canada are growing. Some experts estimate that workers are only filling 60 to 70 per cent of the skills required in a job. The unrealized value of these skills vacancies has been estimated to be as high as $25 billion, a $10 billion increase from 2015.

Opportunities to Upskill and Reskill

The good news is that there are resources available if you want to upskill and reskill to better position yourself in this job market.

The Future Skills Centre (FSC) recently announced a $19 million investment in thirteen projects that help upskill and reskill jobseekers. The project is targeting several key sectors while seeking to boost the diversity of participants in the labour market by targeting underrepresented demographics such as women, immigrants, and Indigenous peoples.

For example, the FSC is spending over $1 million to expand its Be EPIC program, which trains personal support workers caring for persons living with dementia. The two-day program teaches workers to use person-centred communication, incorporating clients’ social history into care routines while considering the caregiving environment.

The FSC is also investing over $3 million in its rapid upskilling and reskilling, Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs for in-demand industry jobs. The program seeks to help unskilled job seekers get hired, current employees get industry-valued skills and certifications, and employers fill skills gaps. WBL programs are ideal because they map competencies for targeted jobs and allow employees to “earn while they learn.”

For a more specific industry like mining, the FSC is investing nearly $2 million to help train job seekers in key technologies that are transforming the sector, such as mechanized bolters, jumbo drills, and load-haul-dump machines. The training program integrates simulation technology, virtual reality, and hands-on learning.

The first phase of this program has successfully recruited key underrepresented demographics with almost 40 per cent identifying as Indigenous peoples, over 20 per cent as women, and over 60 per cent as youth.

Visit the FSC’s website to learn about their other programs.

We Can Help

After you upskill and reskill, it’s important to have your criminal record check ready. More than half of Canadian employers conduct criminal background checks as part of their hiring process. Triton’s online criminal record check will make your information available to you in just fifteen minutes.

Visit our website to learn more.