Why investing in people is Canada’s most critical infrastructure project
Polytechnics have always responded to labour-market demand. Skilled trades are among Canada’s priority areas for workforce development that have been identified by Polytechnics Canada. supplied
by Sarah Watts-Rynard
CEO, Polytechnics Canada
In the face of a changing relationship with our southern neighbour, Canada is on the cusp of rewriting its trade, defence and infrastructure story for the next century. This will mean new investments and opportunities as the country aims to make itself more efficient and productive. Economic prosperity will rely, first and foremost, on enterprising Canadians putting their skills to work.
The federal government has a talent attraction strategy to bring frustrated U.S. researchers to Canada. Because it’s highly likely that they will return to greener pastures when a research-friendly president returns to office, the national talent agenda needs a much greater emphasis on building and deploying the talent Canada will keep long term. This is a job polytechnics do exceptionally well.
An aging population requires people who will care for them. Exponential technical advancement relies on workers able to adapt and implement new technologies quickly. Making Canada a destination for businesses, tourists and immigrants calls for a robust hospitality sector. Building infrastructure – from housing to hospitals, roads to railways – requires skilled tradespeople.
In our most recent report, Skilled & Ready: Polytechnic Solutions for Canada’s Labour Market Demand, we reviewed the top 100 jobs in highest demand across the country. Of those requiring post-secondary education, 86 per cent were being trained at Canada’s polytechnics.
This is no accident. Polytechnics have always responded to labour-market demand, developing hands-on and applied programs that prepare graduates with the skills they need to confidently enter the workforce.
It helps to have instructors drawn from industry, and programs that keep evolving to meet new and emerging challenges. This is equally valuable for mid-career workers who need short courses delivered on a flexible schedule as they navigate a fast-paced world of work.
Yet to expect institutions to keep delivering the talent Canada’s economy needs without ongoing support is short-sighted. Here are a few ideas to ensure Canada has the skilled workforce it needs today and in the future.
Health care and the care economy
In our analysis, health care accounted for nearly one-fifth of the most in-demand skilled occupations across Canada, with every polytechnic offering programs for both frontline workers, like nurses and personal support workers, and specialized technical roles, including technicians, paramedics, therapists and administrators.
An aging population stands to drive employment levels even higher in the next five years. Governments can help by supporting institutions as they develop cutting-edge learning spaces and renew equipment needed to make graduates job-ready.
Information technology
In an increasingly digitized world, information and technology roles are required in every sector. The advanced technical and technological nature of polytechnic education has seen institutions embed IT skills and artificial intelligence in a wide range of programs.
The industry-aligned nature of polytechnics makes them well suited to support technology adoption. Applied research collaborations enable businesses to access space, equipment, faculty expertise and student talent to consider technology solutions that fit their needs. If public funds are going to support research, make it research that gives students pragmatic opportunities to solve the real-world challenges of Canadian businesses.
Tourism and hospitality
Over the last few years, Canada’s tourism sector has struggled to maintain a reliable talent pipeline. Employment is vulnerable to disruption, exposing the young people who begin their careers in this sector. Training vouchers can support upskilling in the off-season and during dry spells, helping employers retain their experienced staff and giving employees opportunities to advance. Polytechnics are well positioned to hold vouchers and direct people to the training options best suited to industry demand and individual interests.
“In our most recent report, Skilled & Ready: Polytechnic Solutions for Canada’s Labour Market Demand, we reviewed the top 100 jobs in highest demand across the country. Of those requiring post-secondary education, 86 per cent were being trained at Canada’s polytechnics. ”
Skilled trades
Job postings in the skilled trades have increased in the past five years and demand remains acute. Aging infrastructure, housing shortages and retirements among an older-than-average workforce are driving labour market shortages in these fields. Reports indicate that by 2028, more than one million skilled tradespeople will be needed.
Apprenticeship training depends on experienced journeypersons to pass their skills to the next generation. The federal government might consider approaches to retain journeypersons who delay retirement to focus on apprentice training.
As the country rises to meet its ambitions and challenges, polytechnics are here to help, creating the skilled and ready talent pipeline Canada needs.
To view this report on The Globe's website, visit globeandmail.com
To view the full report as it appeared in The Globe's print edition Polytechnic Solutions