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An urgent call to bridge Canada’s digital skills gap

In an era where digital fluency is paramount, Canada finds itself at a crossroads. The nation’s workforce is grappling with a stark reality: a report by the Future Skills Centre and the Conference Board of Canada estimated that over the next decade, nine out of 10 jobs in Canada will require digital skills, yet a mere 54 per cent of workers possess them. This critical skills gap poses significant challenges to the economy, businesses, and individuals alike. Addressing this divide is not just a necessity for economic growth but a moral imperative to ensure prosperity in the digital age.

The digital transformation reshaping almost all industries has revolutionized the way we work, communicate, and live. From advanced manufacturing to healthcare, finance and retail, digital skills are no longer a niche requirement but a fundamental competency. Yet, despite the all encompassing reach of technology, many Canadians are ill-equipped to navigate this new landscape. The consequences of this disparity are profound.

A workforce lacking digital proficiency undermines Canada’s competitive edge and productivity relative to other nations. Businesses struggle to find qualified candidates, leading to slower growth, reduced innovation, and increased reliance on global talent. According to the Digital Skills Index tracking digital skills readiness among 23,000 employees across 19 countries, Canada received an index score of 23, well below the global average of 33 (out of 100). This gap threatens to stifle Canada’s economic progress, hinder productivity, and exacerbate the already widening socio-economic divide.

Several factors contribute to the pressing skills gap issue. Firstly, the rapid pace of technological change outstrips the education system’s ability to adapt. Traditional curriculum often lags behind industry needs, leaving graduates with outdated skills. Business sees a persistent mismatch between the skills taught and the skills required by employers at every job level. Tasks that once required manual processes are now automated, data-driven decision-making is paramount, and cybersecurity skills are critical. The breadth of digital skills needed encompass all industries and jobs and range from basic computer literacy to advanced competencies in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and software development.

The private sector has a significant role to play in responding to the digital skills gap. Companies must invest in upskilling and reskilling their workforce to keep pace with technology advancements. In particular this includes mid-career professionals who face significant barriers to upskilling, including time constraints, financial costs, and a lack of accessible training programs. This shift involves providing continuous learning opportunities, offering flexible training programs, and fostering a culture of innovation. Partnerships between businesses and legacy educational institutions, as well as newer digital platforms such as LinkedIn can facilitate knowledge transfer and ensure a steady pipeline of talent.

By offering on-the-job training and development programs, businesses can ensure their employees stay current with technological advancements. This not only benefits the employees but also enhances the company’s overall productivity and innovation capacity.

The skills gap demands a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration between business, government, and educational institutions. Key is an urgent need to revamp the education system to fully integrate digital literacy and skills training. Alongside this, government investment in digital infrastructure is essential, while subsidies for digital tools and resources in support of mentorship and apprenticeship programs can empower individuals with the skills they need to thrive in the digital economy.

For example, The Netherlands launched its Dutch Digitalisation Strategy 2.0 in collaboration with business, academia, and local authorities, which included a range of digital workforce priorities focused on the development of new digital skills in response to changing professions and tasks, and pilot training to encourage a culture of learning in the SMB sector. Addressing the digital skills divide requires a cultural shift in how we perceive education and work. Lifelong learning must become the norm rather than the exception. This means valuing and investing in continuous professional development, encouraging workers to embrace new challenges, and recognizing the importance of both technical and soft skills in the digital economy.

In conclusion, Canada’s digital skills gap is an urgent issue that demands immediate and sustained action. Bridging this divide is not just about filling jobs; it is about securing the nation’s economic future and ensuring that more Canadians have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the digital economy. By investing in education, infrastructure, and inclusive policies, Canada can build a resilient, competitive, and equitable workforce ready to meet the demands of the coming decade, and beyond. The time to act is now, before the gap widens further and the opportunity to lead in the digital age slips away.

Jeffrey Doucet is the CEO of Thrive Career Wellness.