The Future Skills Podcast

• S4 Ep. 07: Labour Market Data & Disruption—Insights from FSC @ Cannexus25

  In this special live mini episode of the Future Skills Podcast, recorded at Cannexus25 in Ottawa, host Jeremy Strachan explores how labour market information (LMI) is shaping career development, workforce planning, and skills training in a time of rapid change. Featuring insights from Jason Dennison (Fleming College), Tony Bonen (The Conference Board of Canada), and Tricia Williams (Future Skills Centre), the discussion unpacks how data-driven decision-making can help job seekers, educators, and policymakers navigate economic shifts, automation, and AI’s growing influence on the labour market.From understanding regional job trends to leveraging tools like OpportuNext for career transitions, this episode highlights the critical role of LMI in building a resilient workforce. What skills will be in demand? How can Canadians future-proof their careers? And, how do we make labour market data more accessible and actionable? We’ll hear three expert perspectives on the evolving skills ecosystem and what it means for the future of work.

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• S4 Ep. 06: Neurodivergent student experiences in post-secondary education

  In this mini episode of the Future Skills Podcast, Jeremy Strachan speaks with Dr. Jennifer Fane, Lead Research Associate at the Conference Board of Canada, about her recent study on neurodiversity in Canadian post-secondary education. The research, conducted in partnership with the Future Skills Centre, explores key findings from the report Creating Inclusive Campuses: Neuroinclusive Policies and Practices in Post-secondary Education.The discussion highlights the challenges neurodivergent students face, including their invisibility on campuses, complex accommodation processes, and persistent stigma. Dr. Fane calls for greater accessibility within equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and offers practical recommendations, such as establishing neurodiversity hubs and providing campus-wide neurodiversity training.The episode also previews upcoming Future Skills Centre research on inclusive employment pathways for neurodivergent individuals.

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• S4 Ep. 05: Insights from Magnet Network Live

  In this bonus episode of the Future Skills Podcast, new host Jeremy Strachan dives into highlights from the Magnet Network Live event held in Toronto in October 2024, where leaders gathered to address Canada’s talent, training, and skills challenges. The episode features insights on AI, productivity, and Canada’s “12/21 problem,” where outdated learning models fall short in a 21st-century workforce. Key discussions focus on the need for risk-taking in business, the importance of social and emotional skills, and the critical role of trust in the workplace. Strachan also explores immigration’s role in Canada’s future, barriers faced by international students, and the impact of the Future Skills Centre’s efforts to foster an inclusive economy through innovative partnerships and initiatives across Canada. Background On October 23 and 24, 2024, Magnet Network hosted a two-day networking and knowledge-sharing event in Toronto’s distillery district. Featuring an array of speakers who are thought leaders, policymakers, and visionary idea accelerators in the skills ecosystem in Canada, Magnet Network Live (MNL) was a key forum for stakeholders to meet and hear insights on the pressing issues related to training, workforce development, and productivity in Canada. Conference Board of Canada was there in two capacities. Michael Burt, VP, was featured in a session alongside Candice Faktor, CEO of Disco, in a “fireside chat to explore why businesses are holding back on critical investments and how innovative learning models can shift this dynamic.” Jeremy Strachan, SRA, attended to record live audio as content for this episode. Content interviews and ambient and atmospheric textures of the event.Canada’s productivity puzzle remains unsolved, and a combination of skills waste, talent mismatch, and forecast labour shortages in key sectors like the skilled trades and the green economy are set to exacerbate our problems. MNL is one-of-a-kind event where attendees will hear from some of the best ideas on how to maximize our talent pool resources. GuestsNoel Baldwin, Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre Michael Burt, Vice President of the Conference Board of Canada Mark Patterson, Executive Director of Magnet Emily Madden, Senior Director of Magnet Ashok Kasilingam, CEO of M2M Tech Erin Rose, Senior Research Associate, Conference Board of Canada 

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• S4 Ep. 04: Empowering Futures: Supporting Black Talent in the Canadian Labour Market

  The Black population in Canada is expected to exceed 3 million by 2041. Despite growing awareness of the root causes of inequities faced by Black communities, we don’t yet have interventions at scale in the skills ecosystem. In this episode, our guests describe the importance of culturally relevant, targeted programing for supporting Black communities in Canada to thrive in education and employment.Our guests envision a future where gaps in educational attainment and wages between black and non-black individuals are closed, and where anti-Black racism in our classrooms and workplaces is eradicated. They share successful components of workforce development programs, including social capital development, mentorship, socioemotional development, and community involvement.Speakers:Kofi Hope, CEO and Co-Founder, MonumentalAndré McDonald, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Associate Vice-President, Strategic Research Initiatives and Performance, University of AlbertaMohamed Elmi, Executive Director, Diversity InstituteHeather McIntosh, Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada (host)

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• S4 Ep. 03: Canada’s Productivity Puzzle: The Skills Connection

  We’ve heard the term “productivity” come up a lot lately. But what does the term really mean? And why does strong productivity matter for leaders, decision makers, and to Canadians at-large? Three experts join us in this episode to help us unpack this concept. They give us an overview of the economic concepts behind productivity, suggest solutions to help boost Canadian productivity, and explain why skills development and innovation are an important part of this conversation.  Speaker listJonathan Barr, Senior Director, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)Pedro Antunes, Chief Economist, The Conference Board of CanadaAnne-Lore Fraikin, Senior Manager, Economic Research, The Conference Board of CanadaHeather McIntosh, Director, Education and Skills, The Conference Board of Canada (host)Links: Skills and Productivity: Which Skills Shortages Are Impacting Canadian Productivity?—August 2024Compétences et productivité : Quelles pénuries de compétences influent sur la productivité canadienne?—Août 2024

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