In a significant move to bolster Canada’s workforce in the realm of artificial intelligence, one of the nation’s five Global Innovation Clusters, DIGITAL, recently announced a new investment initiative aimed at developing over 3,000 Canadians with essential skills for AI adoption. This initiative marks another step in DIGITAL’s ongoing commitment to creating accessible, rapid skilling programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment in a technology-driven landscape.
Since its foundation in 2018, DIGITAL has facilitated career advancements for more than 18,300 Canadians, striving to align the competences of job seekers with the evolving demands of employers in the tech sector. Sue Paish, CEO of DIGITAL, highlighted the urgency of this progression, stating, “Canadian companies need talent and leadership equipped with the skills, tools, and vision to drive growth in an increasingly complex, technology-driven world.” This emphasis on training will not only enhance individual career prospects but will also accelerate the adoption of AI within Canadian industries.
The investment consists of $15 million from DIGITAL, matched by an additional $15 million sourced from various partners, underpinning a series of projects designed to elevate AI expertise across the workforce. For instance, Unity Health Toronto is set to launch its Health AI Academy, a programme aimed at equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to leverage new AI technologies effectively. Meanwhile, Thrive Career Wellness is enhancing its platform to offer job seekers personalized guidance, supported by AI-driven agents.
Minister of Industry, Mélanie Joly, praised DIGITAL’s role in fostering a well-rounded and inclusive workforce. “By focusing on increasing AI skills and advancing workforce technology solutions, these projects are bridging the gap between industry requirements and workforce capabilities, ultimately helping Canadian workers succeed in high-growth careers,” Joly remarked. The projects also include Advancerite’s Aiko, an innovative AI platform that connects job seekers in the tech industry with real-time labour market data, and Protexxa’s cybersecurity-focused initiative that personalizes upskilling opportunities.
In times of economic uncertainty, the focus on nurturing local talent is increasingly pertinent. Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, asserted, “Leading in the global AI economy starts at home by empowering Canadians with the tools they need to succeed.” This sentiment reflects the broader strategy of enhancing job readiness through targeted training and knowledge sharing, particularly in crucial sectors like housing, manufacturing, and healthcare.
DIGITAL’s investment comes alongside other noteworthy initiatives aimed at elevating Canada’s workforce. For instance, NPower Canada recently collaborated with Microsoft and the CIBC Foundation to scale the Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator (CTTA), resulting in a $2 million investment to support over 6,000 job seekers across the nation. Since its rollout in January 2021, the CTTA has already positioned more than 3,300 diverse job seekers for success, boasting an impressive employment rate of 80% within six months of graduating.
Additionally, the government’s ongoing commitment to digital skills training is evident with substantial investments like the $39.2 million funding for the CanCode program, which aims to equip 1.5 million students and 100,000 teachers with critical digital skills, preparing the youth for the future of work in a digital economy.
These initiatives not only highlight Canada’s focus on integrating AI capabilities into various sectors but also indicate a united effort across public and private enterprises to address the growing skills gap within the workforce. As initiatives like DIGITAL’s spearhead this evolution, they lay the groundwork for a robust and adaptable economy, equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly automated future.
Reference Map
- Original announcement from DIGITAL on workforce development investments.
- NPower Canada’s partnership initiatives to enhance digital skills.
- Overview of the Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator and its impact.
- Summary of the Horizon AI program aimed at fostering applied AI talent.
- Details of the Government of Canada’s CanCode program for youth and educators.
- Previous government investments in ICT training initiatives.
- Specific training opportunities launched in Quebec addressing digital skills and cybersecurity.
Source: Noah Wire Services
