It is a well-known fact that there is a significant labor shortage, with more than 1 million job vacancies recorded in the first quarter of 2023. Essentially, it is no secret that to compete on a global scale and maintain progress, we are hindered by a lack of workers who can consistently produce results. In addition, technological advancements require upskilling for workers to produce quality work. Unfortunately, factors such as technological advancements mean that youth are not in a position to take on workforce challenges head-on. Troubling factors like declining birth rates and an aging population, along with remote work preferences, highlight the need for a skilled workforce.
Polytechnics are career-focused and responsive to changes in job markets and skills. For this reason, polytechnic institutions are seen as one of the best options, focusing on providing technical, practical, and skill-based education conducive to career building.
Polytechnic institutions are invaluable resources for the Canadian business landscape. The learning in polys is usually aligned with applied, real-world-related curriculum, making graduates highly in demand for their employable skills. Without skills, the job market may appear saturated, but polys address this by providing qualified candidates who can ‘hit the ground running.’
Polytechnics are recognized for their agility, adaptability, and industry responsiveness, making them highly preferred for career learning. The demand for polytechnic education is popular not only among high school graduates but also among those with various other degrees seeking opportunities in new careers or looking to switch careers due to evolving technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and large language models.
It is estimated that a large percentage of people enrolling in polys usually hold scholastic degrees. With poly institutions becoming more accessible, both women and men students show interest in polytechnic education. The enrollment has been increasing due to the benefits of this route. Some students further their studies in colleges in their respective fields, combining practical and theoretical knowledge. Since technology is evolving rapidly, job seekers, especially youth, recognize the need for practical education, with polys addressing this need effectively.
Polytechnic Canada represents 13 leading research-intensive colleges and institutes of technology, publicly funded polys, and is a national nonprofit association. Given Canada’s status as a technology hub with various opportunities, it is an ideal place for polytechnic training. Poly education offers extensive educational resources, including bachelor’s degrees spanning four years, contributing significantly to the nation’s employment scene and economy.
With technological advances, computers can learn, communicate in dialogue, and predict or even create, thanks to AI and machine learning. Poly institutions play a crucial role in imparting practical education required to prepare talent for the future. This collaboration ensures a smoother transition for businesses requiring new talent with fresh skills to meet work capabilities, addressing labor shortages.
Areas like the construction industry in Canada face severe shortages, impacting the housing crisis. Polys offer specialized programs in construction and renovation, addressing the shortage of skilled labor. Similarly, the cybersecurity space faces a shortage of skilled workers. Polys like Conestoga College and Seneca Polytechnic provide programs on cybersecurity, bridging the gap between education and employment.
Polytechnic education prepares the workforce for future challenges and requirements, including achieving carbon goals through sustainability practices. Polytechnic Institutions work closely with industry, building programs and curricula that place students in well-integrated learning environments, enhancing their employability.
Polytechnics are not just centers of learning but also places of innovation. Saskatchewan Polytechnic is known for quality programming, transforming outdated buildings into specialized areas of emphasis on applied learning and research. Graduates from polys are exposed to a wealth of skills in various fields.
There are a number of well established polytechnics in Canada, here are top 10:
- Humber College – Toronto, Ontario
- Sheridan College – Oakville, Ontario
- British Columbia Institute of Technology or BCIT – Burnaby, British Columbia
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic – Saskatchewan
- Algonquin College – Ottawa, Ontario
- Conestoga College – Kitchener, Ontario
- Seneca College – Toronto, Ontario
- George Brown College – Toronto, Ontario
- Southern Alberta Institute of Technology or SAIT – Calgary, Alberta
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology or NAIT – Edmonton, Alberta
In the coming decades, Canada’s senior population will rise, posing challenges to key economic sectors. Polytechnics will play a crucial role in bridging the skills gap for the future workforce.
Given that courses offered by polytechnic Institutions are current and driven by industry curriculum, graduates are trained with up-to-date skills, enhancing their employability.