S5 Ep. 03: AI in the Workplace and the Skills that Matter Most
In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, host Jeremy Strachan explores the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the Canadian workforce. With insights from experts Noel Baldwin, Stephanie Enders, and Mark Patterson, we hear how Future Skills Centre research is helping us better understand the way AI is reshaping job markets, skills development, and employment strategies. The conversation tackles critical challenges like AI literacy, ethical considerations, and the need for adaptability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Discover how workers and businesses can leverage AI to enhance human skills, improve productivity, and navigate the future of work.GuestsNoel Baldwin, Executive Director, Future Skills CentreStephanie Enders, Chief Delivery Officer, Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii)Mark Patterson, Executive Director, Magnet
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S5 Ep. 02: Leveraging the Skills of Newcomers
In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, host Jeremy Strachan dives into the critical topic of leveraging the skills of newcomers to Canada and its impact on economic and social success. Joined by Tricia Williams from the Future Skills Centre, Sharon McLennon from the Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre, and Shamira Madhany from World Education Services, the discussion explores how Future Skills Centre-funded initiatives have shed light on newcomer retention and workforce integration. The episode highlights barriers such as credential recognition, workplace bias, and lack of professional networks while emphasizing solutions like targeted upskilling, wraparound supports, and cultural competency training. With insights into workforce development across Canada, this episode underscores how effectively integrating skilled immigrants is key to addressing labor shortages and boosting economic resilience.GuestsTricia Williams, PhD, Director of Research, Evaluation, and Knowledge Mobilization, Future Skills CentreSharon McLennon, Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation CentreShamira Madhany, Managing Director and Deputy Executive Director, World Education Services
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S5 Ep. 01 - What Quality of Work Means in a Changing Labour Market
What defines quality of work in today’s economy? In this episode, host Jeremy Strachan speaks with Laura McDonough from the Future Skills Centre and Dr. Olga Morawczynski from Heal-3 to explore how wages, job security, mental health, and workplace culture impact our experience at work. They discuss how research from the Future Skills Centre has shed insights on the evolving expectations of workers, the role of leadership in job satisfaction, and how benefits and training can shape long-term career well-being. As workplaces continue to change, and as Canada’s workforce challenges continue to evolve, understanding what job quality means is becoming more important than ever.
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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.
Canada is facing wide-reaching demographic and technological changes that pose increasingly significant challenges to the world of work. The Future Skills Centre Podcast, presented by The Conference Board of Canada, will explore these crucial emerging challenges to the future of work. In each episode, we will unpack a unique issue facing Canadians and hear from varying perspectives—such as community members, decision-makers, and thought leaders—to discuss solutions and paths forward.
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