Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need
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Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need
2
Table of
Contents
02 05 08
Foreword & Introduction Methodology & Part 1: Supply What the
Key Insights Industry Demands
16 22 28
Part 2: The Canadian Part 3: Strengthen Shaky Part 4: Future of Tech
Labour Landscape Foundational Skills
32 34
Part 5: Take It From Us References
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need
3
Foreword
Canada’s success largely group lives in Ontario. If job networks, structural
depends on two things: 1) opportunities fail to materialize, discrimination, and/or a real
employers meeting their hiring there are huge costs not only or perceived lack of the skills
needs and 2) youth enjoying to the individual, but also employers seek. Conversely,
positive work experiences, to our society‑ such as lost a 2017 Human Resources
including securing a first job in productivity and increased Professionals Association
a supportive work environment pressure on social support (HRPA) and CivicAction survey
that can help them navigate systems. indicated that 30 per cent of
life’s transitions, establish a employers are having trouble
long‑term career path, and Research suggests that the filling entry‑level roles. There
ultimately achieve financial lifetime burden2 to society appears to be a disconnect
independence and security. of just one youth remaining between employers and youth
unemployed can reach looking to enter the workforce,
Today there are more than $1,000,000. This problem and CivicAction wants to help
860,000 youth across Canada is simply too big and too bridge the supply with demand
between the ages of 15 and 29 expensive to ignore. Currently, for new, entry‑level talent.
who are not working, studying many youth face common
or participating in some form barriers to employment, such as
of training1; one third of this weakened social or professional
30%
860,000 $1,000,000
Number of youth (15‑29) in 30% of employers are The potential lifetime burden
Canada who are not working, having trouble filling to society of just one youth
studying or training entry‑level positions remaining unemployed
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need
4
Introduction
At this time of profound change A 2016 Economic Graph5
and rapid technological report by CivicAction and
advancement, knowing what LinkedIn offered a new
skills are needed now and window into the state of
34% anticipating those that will
become crucial in the future has
Toronto’s technology skills
labour market. Based on the
never been more important for high percentage of LinkedIn
those beginning their careers. members in the early stages of
their careers who cited having
Research shows that
34% of employers feel
Recent research shows that strong technological abilities,
youth are adequately only 34 per cent3 of employers the Economic Graph showed
prepared for the feel that youth are adequately that Toronto’s workforce
workforce prepared for the workforce. is rich in technology skills,
This is only expected to worsen making the City a great place
for those aged 15 to 24 who to start a technology career.
are employed in 20 per cent4 The report also identified the
of jobs that are at high‑risk of most in‑demand skills and as
being affected by automation. a result, programs delivered
20% So what can we do to help the
next generation understand the
through Seneca College and
NPower Canada were able to
changing nature of work and pivot quickly to address the
make it easier for employers market’s needs. Initiatives like
to find the talent they need? this – where insights are used
Youth are employed
in 20% of jobs that are
We can take an approach that to build curriculum and skills
at high‑risk of being we know works well: use new training programs – will be
affected by automation and traditional data sources, essential to our future economic
employer insights, and trend prosperity.
forecasting to better anticipate
(and train for) in‑demand skills.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need
5
Methodology
This research focuses on (2014‑2017), as well as the video assessment hiring
workforce development top 10 skills employers sought tool that uses AI to reduce
specifically for entry‑level roles. when hiring for these roles. unconscious bias when hiring.
CivicAction set out to use Furthermore, with Toronto being Five foundational skills most
traditional and non‑traditional the fastest‑growing market for listed in job applications by
labour market data and technology jobs, the province’s employers have been identified
employer consultations to technology sector is growing and will be discussed in further
uncover: 1) new insights at an unprecedented rate. detail. Most commonly listed
regarding high‑potential sectors Because of this, CivicAction were “communication skills”, a
with vacancies that youth can also researched the most category which encompasses
fill, and 2) the skills required commonly sought after skills body language, active listening
to land these roles. Unless employers in this sector are and both written and verbal
otherwise stated, data for this looking for with regards to communication.
report has been sourced from entry‑level roles. Through the
Burning Glass Technologies research, CivicAction found For the purposes of this report,
(Burning Glass), an analytics the demand for foundational an entry‑level position is defined
company which examines skills, a combination of soft as requiring: 1) a high school
millions of online job postings in skills and baseline digital education with no additional
real time to track labour‑market literacy skills, is growing certification, and 2) zero to two
trends. LinkedIn’s Economic rapidly and will continue to years of experience.
Graph, a data bank pulling trend upwards as technology
content from its member and artificial intelligence (AI)
profiles, was also used to evolves. Drawing from these The province’s
identify top industries and skills trends, CivicAction therefore
across Canada. CivicAction conducted a deep dive on technology sector
identified three industries foundational skills, forecasted is growing at an
that had the largest share of to be critical in securing unprecedented rate.
entry‑level positions in Ontario employment, in partnership
for a period of four years with Knockri, a Toronto‑based
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need
6
Key Insights
1 Retail, health care and social assistance, and finance
and insurance continue to be the largest industries with
entry‑level roles in Ontario.
2 Foundational skills are the most in‑demand and most
cited skills in job postings. They include communication,
growth mindset, collaboration, empathy and creativity,
alongside digital literacy (e.g. having knowledge of MS
Office suite, typing proficiency and computer literacy).
3 Top industry‑specific skills include customer service,
sales, and store management knowledge for retail;
caretaking, childcare, and cardiovascular resuscitation
(CPR) for health care and social assistance; and
customer service and sales for the finance and insurance
sector.
4 By 2019, 182,000 information and communication
technologies (ICT) job vacancies will exist in Canada,
with 42 per cent of these jobs being in Ontario. Focus on
attracting technology start‑ups to metropolitan areas of
Ontario (e.g. Toronto‑Waterloo innovation corridor) can
add nearly 170,000 new jobs by 2025.
5 At 7 per cent, youth are the largest demographic
engaging in part‑time freelance work. The gig economy
continues to grow as youth engage with online platforms
like Uber, Airbnb and Task Rabbit as both service
providers and consumers.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need
7
By 2019, 182,000
information and
communication
technologies job
vacancies will
exist in Canada.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need
8
Part 1
Supply What
the Industry
Demands
According to a recent federal study on
entry‑level roles, nearly 1/2 of Canadian job
vacancies in 2016 required no previous work
or educational experience; 80 per cent of
which were entry‑level roles.6
Armed with this research, high‑potential sectors with
CivicAction wanted to the greatest opportunity
identify where exactly in for youth aged 15 to 24 in
the labour market these Ontario: retail sector, health
jobs exist. Through Burning care and social assistance,
Glass data, CivicAction has and finance and insurance.
identified three
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need
9
Retail
The retail sector has of the industry, lower rates of – the greatest number of
traditionally had the greatest growth continue to translate opportunities across all other
opportunity for young people. into significant employment industries in the province.
Comprising of businesses numbers.
engaged in offering goods
The vast majority of employers
and services directly to
Furthermore, retail represents in this sector are store
consumers, it is the second
largest industry in Ontario the largest market share retailers. According to labour
and the largest employer of of online job postings for market research, clothing and
youth.7 Young people often entry‑level roles. With one third department stores represented
enter the workforce through the of all retail employees being 58 per cent of all entry‑level
retail sector where they build between the ages of 15 and 24, vacancies from 2014 to 2017.
important foundational skills this sector has a significantly Online postings from the same
such as communication. higher proportion of youth time period indicated that 1 in 5
employees when compared to job vacancies in the retail sector
In 2017, Ontario’s retail sector the rest of Ontario’s workforce.9 were for sales associates,
employed 226,600 youth, As such, it is an ideal industry followed by assistant managers
representing nearly a quarter of for young people to land their (7 per cent) and store managers
working youth in the province. first jobs. Employment within (3 per cent).
This trend has been consistent the retail sector was projected
over the past five years.8 Even to grow by 33,800 positions
though growth in this industry between 2016 and 2018.
has slowed in comparison to In 2017 alone, the sector
previous years, given the size reported 93,585 job vacancies10
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need
10
Baseline Skills: Retail
CivicAction has identified the 10 most sought‑after skills in the retail sector. In
addition to the skills below, specialized skills, such as retail industry knowledge,
sales, customer service, merchandising and store management were also in
high demand.
Half of all 2016
Canadian job Communication
vacancies 47%
required no
previous work Organization
or educational 24%
experience
Listening
80% of these 18%
vacancies were
entry‑level roles Teamwork/Collaboration
18%
Detail Oriented
17%
Time Management
15%
Multi‑Tasking
226,000 Quick Learning
14%
14%
In 2017, Ontario’s retail sector MS Office
employed 226,600 youth
13%
Problem Solving
12%
*Data aggregated through Burning Glass Technologies and represents the percentage of online
job postings in the retail sector from 2014‑2017 that required these skills.
93,585 When looking at the future
of work, these skills will not
A recent report from Burning
Glass on the risk of automation
only help youth secure the shows that sales associate
jobs of today, but also lay the roles are at high risk of
Retail job vacancies in
necessary groundwork for their automation. However, positions
2017 future success. With technology such as assistant managers/
advancing rapidly and 53 store managers are at low risk,
per cent of retailing activities indicating that the retail industry
becoming computerized,11 the is a great place for youth to start
retail sector will be among the their careers.
first few industries impacted by
AI and automation.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need11
Health Care & Social
Assistance
The health care and social province‑wide.15 According to a to our research, the majority
assistance sector is another 2017 Statistics Canada study, of online job postings for
high‑potential sector for youth. over half (58 per cent) of the job entry‑level roles were in
The sector’s employment growth vacancies in this sector were for hospital settings (59 per cent),
has remained strong across entry‑level roles, making it the followed by ambulatory health
Canada over the past decade. sector with the fourth‑highest care services (12 per cent).
Even in the face of federal and proportion of entry‑level job Caregivers (this includes
provincial restraints following vacancies across Canada.16 care for elderly, nannies, etc.)
the 2008‑2009 recession, Employment within this sector were the most in‑demand
employment levels continued to is projected to grow as the roles requiring a high school
trend upwards,12 with employers population ages and as demand education, followed by live‑in
in this sector remaining the for medical services increases. caregivers. The types of
largest contributors to payroll It is estimated that by 2041, 25 entry‑level roles differ for
employment growth since 2013.13 per cent of the population will those with a post‑secondary
be 65 years old, up 8 per cent accreditation, with registered
The health care and social from 2017.17 nurses, live‑in caregivers and
assistance sector is the largest social workers rounding up the
industry in Ontario and has Jobs within this industry fall top three entry‑level positions.
seen the greatest employment into one of the following four The skills needed to land these
growth nationwide. In 2017, subcategories: ambulatory jobs remained similar.
this sector added 14,60014 health care services, hospitals,
new positions in Ontario, social assistance, and nursing
totaling 72,020 job vacancies and residential care. According
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need12
Baseline Skills: Health Care & Social
Assistance
25% CivicAction has identified the top 10 most sought‑after skills employers seek
in new hires entering the health care field. In addition to the skills below,
specialized skills such as caregiving, childcare, customer service and CPR,
were also in high demand.
It is estimated that
by 2041, 25% of the Communication
population will be 65 years
old, up 8.1% from 2017
45%
English
41%
Organization
28%
Problem Solving
23%
Decision Making
17%
14,600 Writing
15%
Planning
In 2017, the health care 14%
and social assistance
sector added 14,600 new Computer Literacy
positions in Ontario 13%
Critical Thinking
12%
Multi‑Tasking
11%
*Data aggregated through Burning Glass Technologies and represents the percentage of
online job postings in the health care and social assistance sector from 2014‑2017 that
required these skills.
Given the client‑facing nature foundational skills will become receive care from humans.18 With
of this type of work, it is no even more important. Although opportunities for growth, career
surprise that employers are the industry is not immune to stability, steady earning and
seeking employees with strong technological advancements, employee benefits, this is a great
foundational skills. As population this sector remains at low risk of sector in which youth can grow
demographics change and automation for roles that require their careers.
pressures on the health care expertise and direct contact with
system increases, these patients, as patients would rather
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need13
Finance & Insurance
As one of the largest the ages of 15 and 24) were such as financial analysts,
contributors to Ontario’s GDP, employed in the finance and financial service managers and
the finance and insurance insurance sector.20 It is also business analysts, required a
sector plays a vital part in one of the sectors with the more technical background.
Ontario’s economy. It is also highest proportion of online job However, much like the health
one of the sectors facing the postings for entry‑level roles. care and social assistance
greatest skills gap. Despite sector, the top skills needed
historically strong employment The majority of entry‑level job for these positions fell into
growth, 30 per cent of CEOs in vacancies requiring a high customer and client support,
banking and capital markets, school education and less digital literacy and sales.
and 29 per cent of CEOs in than two years of experience
asset and wealth management were in customer‑interfacing
believe a skills gap is a major roles, specifically customer
threat to growth prospects.19 service representatives, sales
representatives and insurance
Last year, 407,100 people advisors. On the other hand,
province‑wide (1 in 15 of top entry‑level roles requiring
which were youth between a post‑secondary education,
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need14
As the finance and insurance
sector looks to the future, Baseline Skills: Finance & Insurance
more emphasis will be put on
foundational skills. According CivicAction has identified the top 10 most sought‑after skills employers seek
in new hires entering the finance and insurance field. In addition to the skills
to the Toronto Financial below, specialized skills such as customer service, financial and product sales,
Services Alliance’s (TFSA) and scheduling were in high demand.
report Unlocking the Human
Opportunity: Future‑proof Skills Communication
to Move Financial Services
63%
Forward, there are four skills
Typing
categories that will be high in
demand: 29%
English
1. Human experience (i.e. 28%
emotional intelligence, Organization
empathy, communication
26%
and influencing skills)
Detail Oriented
2. Re‑imagination (i.e. 22%
curiosity, creativity, critical Excel
thinking, problem solving 21%
and business acumen) MS Office
21%
3. Pivoting (i.e. willingness
Multi‑Tasking
to change, the capacity to
learn and adopt new skills 20%
quickly, and the ability to Problem Solving
lead people through change 19%
and build resilience) Teamwork/Collaboration
19%
4. Future currency (i.e. digital
and data acumen)21 *Data aggregated through Burning Glass Technologies and represents the percentage of online
job postings in the finance and insurance sector from 2014‑2017 that required these skills.
Given that most employers in
the sector are large financial
institutions – this sector
provides youth with great
opportunities for upward
mobility, higher salaries and
acquiring training necessary for
career advancement.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need15
As the finance and
insurance sector looks
to the future, more
emphasis will be put on
foundational skills.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need16
The Elephant in the Room?
The Technology Sector
According to the Information and in Ontario.22 It states, that as Unlike other professions,
Communications Technology demand for ICT talent increases, technology jobs span across
Council (ICTC) Labour the sector is facing a growing various industries. Our research
Market Outlook Report, hiring gap between the demand with LinkedIn’s Economic Graph
commitments in Canada’s and supply of ICT talent. One indicates that in Toronto, 73 per
information and communication contributing factor is that many cent of LinkedIn members who
technology (ICT) sector will youth are opting for careers listed technology skills on their
reach 182,000 by 2019, with outside of the ICT sector. profiles worked in entry‑level ICT
nearly 42 per cent of vacancies roles outside of the traditional
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need17
technology industry (e.g.
financial services, retail and
Baseline Skills: Technology
consumer products, and social
services).23 Similarly, 54 per CivicAction has identified the top 10 most sought‑after skills employers seek in
cent professionals in Ontario entry‑level hires entering the technology sector. Specialized skills that are also
in high demand include technical support, customer service, help desk support,
were employed in ICT roles Linux and Java.
outside of the technology
industry in 2015.24 Communication
Based on our research, the
43%
most in‑demand entry‑level English
technology occupations in the 36%
last four years included data Problem Solving
specialists, customer‑service 35%
representatives, software Computer Literacy
developers and technical
31%
support specialists.
Detail‑Oriented
Rapid technological 30%
advancements are changing Organization
the nature of work across all 29%
industries. As this happens, Troubleshooting
professionals with technology
27%
skills will become increasingly
MS Office
in‑demand.
26%
Writing
23%
Research
19%
*Data aggregated through Burning Glass Technologies and represents the percentage of online
job postings in the information and communication technology sector from 2014‑2017 that
required these skills.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need18
Skilled Trades: A Growing Trend
“Ontario is open According to a 2018 global
ManpowerGroup talent survey, 41
would consider a career in skilled
trades.27 With rising demand, low
for business per cent of Canadian employers
reported difficulties filling jobs,
supply, and over 300 designated
trades to choose from, skilled
again. With one with skilled trades ranking as the trades are a great career option for
hardest jobs to fill in Canada.25 It young people just starting out.
in five new jobs is estimated that by 2021, one in
expected to be five new jobs in Ontario will be in
trades-related roles.26 Yet, despite
Skilled trades generally fall within
four main categories: construction,
in trades-related the high-demand and potential for
growth, many youth are reluctant
transportation, manufacturing,
and services. In Ontario, the
occupations to choose skilled trades as a viable construction sector is projected to
career option. A pan-Canada see some of the greatest labour
by 2021, we Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship shortages in the next decade.
need to train Awareness and Perception Study
revealed that only 32 per cent
more skilled of youth (aged 13-24) surveyed
workers to keep Construction
our economy Since the early 2000s, Ontario’s will retire29 and to sustain the
strong.” construction industry has been
on a steady rise, growing 50 per
sector, an estimated 100,000 plus
new recruits will be needed by
cent between 2002 and 2017.28 2027. Based on historical hiring
– Honourable Merrilee In 2017, the sector employed trends, the province’s construction
Fullerton, Minister of 512,500 Ontarians, and reported industry is only expected to draw
Training, Colleges and nearly 14,500 job vacancies. It is 84,300 entry-level youth by 2027,
University anticipated that over the coming creating a gap of over 23,000 jobs
decade, nearly 20 per cent of that the province will have to look
Ontario’s construction workforce elsewhere to fill.30
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need19
Skilled Trades Myth Busters
Skilled trades can offer a promising and rewarding career path, yet many youth are either unaware or
discouraged to think of skilled trades as a sustainable career path due to some widely held misconceptions.
Myth Skilled trades jobs don’t pay very well.
Reality A career in skilled trades can earn you a competitive salary. On average, people working
in Ontario’s construction industry earned $29.10 per hour while those working in the
manufacturing sector earned $25.10 per hour in 2017.33
Myth Skilled trades jobs are not stable.
Reality Skilled workers are in high demand. By 2021, one in five jobs in Ontario will be in trades-related
occupations.34 At the same time, the skilled trade workforce is aging and there are not enough
young people entering the workforce to meet the demand.
Myth Skilled trades involve a lot of hard physical labour.
Reality From design to planning to administrative tasks, there is a diversity of tasks in many skilled
trade careers. Some require physical labour, while others require working in high-tech
environments. An automotive service technician, for example, uses a computer system to
diagnose problems. With technological advancements, more and more skilled trades will
become tech-based.35
Myth Skilled trades jobs are dead-end jobs.
Reality From supervisory roles, to management positions to owning your own business, there is a lot
of room for growth in the skilled trades. In fact, managerial positions are anticipated to become
some of the hardest to fill.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need20
Part 2
The Canadian
Labour
Landscape
How does the Ontario With growing economies
labour market fare against and populations, these
the rest of the nation? cities show similar
CivicAction looked at three employment and training
cities across Canada— needs for young Canadians
Vancouver, Ottawa and living in urban areas.
Halifax—to help map out
what is happening across
the country.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need21
Greatest Opportunities for Youth: Vancouver
26% 17% 16% 6% 6%
Health care & social Retail sector Accommodation & Educational Finance &
assistance food services services insurance
Vancouver
With the second‑lowest cooks, sales associates and jobs, nearly 50 per cent job
unemployment rate in the food service supervisors. The openings will fall into one of the
country, Vancouver has the top five most sought‑after skills five following industries: health
potential to be one of the best for entry‑level roles in Vancouver care and social assistance
places in the nation for young included: communication (32 (16 per cent), professional
people entering the workforce. per cent), English (31 per scientific and technical services
Despite this, youth aged 15 to cent), organization (18 per (11 per cent), retail sector (10
24 were 1.9 times more likely to cent), writing (15 per cent) and per cent), accommodation and
be unemployed than the general Microsoft Excel (13 per cent). food services (7 per cent), and
population aged 25 years or transportation and warehousing
older in 2017.36 It is forecasted that there will be (7 per cent). Leading the charge
917,000 job vacancies in British will be the health care industry
CivicAction’s research indicates Columbia between 2017 and alone, with 43 per cent of job
that industries with the greatest 2027. Economic growth is to openings projected to come from
opportunities for youth are health account for 30 per cent of new expansion of the health care
care and social assistance job openings, with the remaining system in response to medical
(26 per cent), retail sector (17 70 per cent replacing workers needs of the aging population.38
per cent), accommodation leaving the workforce. Youth
and food services (16 per aged 15 to 29 are expected to
cent), educational services fill nearly half (48 per cent) of
(6 per cent) and finance and forecasted job openings.37
insurance (6 per cent). Roles
with the greatest entry‑level B.C. Labour Market Outlook
opportunities for youth included states that of these 917,000
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need22
Greatest Opportunities for Youth: Halifax
18% 12% 11% 9% 8%
Retail Administrative Manufacturing Health care & Finance &
support & waste social assistance insurance
management
Halifax
As the second‑fastest growing The top‑five sectors with and drivers. Our research
city on the east coast, Halifax the greatest opportunity for indicated that the top five
has seen large-scale economic entry‑level youth in Halifax are: most sought‑after foundational
growth in the past few years. In retail (18 per cent), administrative skills entry‑level roles are:
spite of this, youth unemployment support and waste management communication (44 per cent),
remains high. (12 per cent), manufacturing organization (26 per cent),
(11 per cent), health care and detail‑oriented (21 per cent),
At 16 per cent in 2017, social assistance (9 per cent), problem solving (20 per cent) and
Halifax had the highest youth and finance and insurance (8 per computer literacy (19 per cent).
unemployment rate amongst cent). The highest proportion of
all metropolitan areas in the online job posting for entry‑level
country. This is nearly 2.4 times roles included customer service
higher than Halifax’s overall representatives, administrative
unemployment rate.39 assistants, sales representative
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need23
Greatest Opportunities for Youth: Ottawa
25% 12% 8% 7%
Retail sector Manufacturing Health care Professional,
& social scientific &
assistance technology services
Ottawa
As the fourth largest with technology firms such post‑secondary education, we
municipality in Canada and the as Shopify, Klipfolio and noticed that while the types
second largest city in Ontario, SurveyMonkey setting up of roles differ, the emerging
Ottawa’s economy is forecasted offices in the downtown sectors for entry‑level demand
“to grow by 2 per cent in 2018 core, creating even more and the skills required are
and an additional 2 per cent opportunities for youth. similar. According to LinkedIn’s
the following year.”40 The city Economic Graph insights recent
also has one of the highest Roles with the greatest post‑secondary graduates
labour‑force participation rates opportunities for entry‑level (within 1‑2 years of graduating)
in Canada. Despite this, youth youth included sales are finding the greatest
unemployment rates remain associates, customer employment opportunities
nearly 2.4 times higher than the service representatives and in these three high potential
city’s overall average.29 administrative assistants. sectors: retail, health care
The most commonly sought and social assistance, and
Sectors with the greatest after skills for these jobs are: finance and insurance. Greater
potential for entry‑level youth communication (38 per cent), emphasis is also being put
are: retail sector (25 per English (28 per cent), bilingual on foundational skills, with
cent), manufacturing (12 per (English and French) (21 per core competencies such as
cent), health care and social cent), organization (20 per cent) MS Office, leadership, Excel,
assistance (8 per cent) and and French (16 per cent). and teamwork being the most
professional, scientific and common skills listed on their
technology services (7 per Across the nation, we’re profiles.
cent). Ottawa’s technology seeing similar trends. When
sector is also set to grow looking at the difference
at an unprecedented rate, between youth with and without
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need24
Based on LinkedIn’s Economic Graph
research, below data represents the number
Top Skills & of 2017 post‑secondary graduates in the
Toronto region who listed these skills on
Industries by City their LinkedIn profile.
Toronto
Skills Industries
Microsoft Office 16,352 Hospitals & health care 2,318
Customer service 14,194 Retail 2,102
Leadership 13,085 Banking 1,988
Microsoft Excel 11,804 Financial services 1,646
Teamwork 11,663 Government administration 1,630
Research 11,139 Information technology 1,181
Time management 9,982 Marketing & advertising 1,156
Public speaking 9,949 Non‑profit organization 1,042
Microsoft Word 9,392 Education management 1,021
Microsoft PowerPoint 9,276 Computer software 684
*Data aggregated through LinkedIn’s Economic Graph and represents the number of *Data aggregated through LinkedIn’s Economic Graph and represents
2017 post‑secondary graduates in the Toronto region who listed these skills on their the number of 2017 post‑secondary graduates in the Toronto region
LinkedIn profile. employed by each industry.
Vancouver
Skills Industries
Microsoft Office 7,128 Hospitals & health care 1,014
Customer service 6,472 Government administration 797
Leadership 5,953 Retail 694
Public speaking 5,386 Financial services 663
Microsoft Excel 5,346 Computer software 592
Research 5,285 Education management 568
Teamwork 5,255 Information technology 518
Social media 4,383 Accounting 462
Time management 4,164 Non‑profit organization 457
Microsoft Word 4,087 Banking 406
*Data aggregated through LinkedIn’s Economic Graph and represents the number *Data aggregated through LinkedIn’s Economic Graph and represents
of 2017 post‑secondary graduates in the Vancouver region who listed these skills on the number of 2017 post‑secondary graduates in the Vancouver region
their LinkedIn profile. employed by each industry.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need25
Top Skills &
Industries by City
Halifax
Skills Industries
Microsoft Office 378 Hospitals & health care 51
Customer service 376 Government administration 48
Public speaking 370 Retail 47
Leadership 344 Education management 43
Research 315 Primary/secondary school ed. 38
Social media 311 Financial services 36
Teamwork 257 Marketing & advertising 34
Time management 251 Non‑profit organization 30
Microsoft Excel 236 Banking 29
Event planning 221 Accounting 27
*Data aggregated through LinkedIn’s Economic Graph and represents the number of *Data aggregated through LinkedIn’s Economic Graph and represents
2017 post‑secondary graduates in the Halifax region who listed these skills on their the number of 2017 post‑secondary graduates in the Halifax region
LinkedIn profile. employed by each industry.
Ottawa
Skills Industries
Microsoft Office 4,730 Government administration 1,505
Customer service 4,037 Hospitals & health care 544
Research 3,937 Retail 474
Leadership 3,677 Information technology 392
Public speaking 3,447 Financial services 326
Teamwork 3,439 Education management 315
Microsoft Excel 3,359 Non‑profit organization 294
Microsoft Word 2,889 Banking 265
Social media 2,789 Computer software 265
Microsoft PowerPoint 2,388 Telecommunications 213
*Data aggregated through LinkedIn’s Economic Graph and represents the number of *Data aggregated through LinkedIn’s Economic Graph and represents
2017 post‑secondary graduates in the Ottawa region who listed these skills on their the number of 2017 post‑secondary graduates in the Ottawa region
LinkedIn profile. employed by each industry.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need26
Part 3
Strengthen
Shaky
Foundational
Skills
At a time of profound be the most crucial in
technological change this new landscape. More
in the workforce, and traditionally known as “soft
rapidly growing number skills,” they also include
of jobs being affected by baseline digital literacy
AI, possessing technical skills. These have not yet
skills is not enough to been replicated by AI, and
help young people land therefore humans will still
jobs. Fifty per cent of be in-demand to fill roles
occupations will undergo a that require a high level of
significant skills overhaul,41 relationship building and
and research shows that project management.
foundational skills will
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need27
Knockri, an AI video
soft skills assessment
tool, helps to reduce
unconscious bias and
shortlists the best fit job
Although it’s true that some a priority, and executives now
jobs will be disappearing in consider these skills crucial to
candidates to interview.
the future, automation is not improving leadership, retention They’ve done significant
entirely synonymous with and building a meaningful research on the most
job loss. Employment and culture. in‑demand foundational
Social Development Canada skills required in the
(ESDC) forecasts 2.4 million Today’s workforce demands a financial and technology
job openings between 2018 lot more creativity, innovation
sectors. The following is
and 2021, and RBC’s analysis and complex relationship
suggests foundational skills will building from employees.
based on research done
be the most critical to qualify Jobs are now more analytical by Knockri, with over
for these roles. However as and unpredictable in 150,000 applicants.
AI begins handling routine nature, requiring a higher
and repetitive tasks, it paves level of problem solving
the way for new value‑added and collaboration with
positions. diverse teams. Since the is for a marketing position or a
modern workplace is more development role, foundational
Big companies such as interpersonal, skills such as skills are proving to be crucial
Deloitte, KPMG and Accenture communication and having for success in almost every
all report the same priorities a growth mindset are highly professional environment.
when describing successful valued. They ensure a more
employees. In fact, according productive and innovative With this in mind, it’s crucial for
to a 2016 Deloitte Report, environment – attributes that youth to develop the following
92 per cent of respondents42 are crucial in a competitive core foundational skills before
rated foundational skills to be market. Whether the vacancy entering the workforce.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need28
Communication
50%
This is a broad cluster of skills were similar. Employers concur
ranging from using appropriate that entry‑level talent that
50% of occupations will body language, active listening, are capable of expressing
undergo a significant skills
overhaul due to automation
writing emails, understanding clearly and empathetically are
and AI business best practices, asking in‑demand.
questions, and having general
verbal and written skills. A recent study by Knockri
According to LinkedIn, strong further identifies four key
communication is the second foundational skills that are
most sought after skill when most in‑demand. With over
looking for talent.43 150,000 applicant assessments
in jobs spanning technical
As roles become increasingly development, consulting,
2.4 million
automated, the need for highly sales, marketing, customer
effective communication and success and talent acquisition,
relationship‑building practices employers’ most desirable
will become priorities for skillsets are growth mindset
ESDC forecasts 2.4 million job employers. A recent US‑based (91 per cent), collaboration
openings between 2018 and 2021
study shows that “65 per (85 per cent), empathy (83 per
cent of recruiters and hiring cent) and creativity (78 per
managers say strong written cent). Between the various job
or oral communication skills roles, these four foundational
are more important in an skills have appeared the most
entry‑level job applicant than consistently. In accordance with
their college major.”44 This our consultations and research,
research is further backed by these are the foundational
our own. CivicAction conducted skills that are hard for AI to
employer consultations to mimic, and so will be very much
better understand what required for future jobs.
Canadian employers are
looking for, and the results
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need29
Growth Mindset
Recruiters and hiring managers seeking continuous learners, a larger likelihood of success
are looking for entry‑level and according to Carol because they arrive with the
talent that can grow, learn and Dweck, renowned Stanford desire to learn, willingness
develop new skills consistently. University professor who has to be trained and adapt. As
Having a positive attitude studied human motivation and more organizations focus
towards constructive feedback success, this is indicative of a on creating a culture of
and being open minded about person’s ability to thrive in the learning and encourage their
personal and professional workplace.45 employees to try new projects
development demonstrates outside of their daily work, it’s
flexibility, agility and adaptability. Dweck’s research also shows essential that entry‑level talent
that employees who work in develop a growth mindset.
Why is this important? As roles environments that value a During CivicAction’s employer
change and certain jobs are growth mindset are 47 per cent consultations, hiring managers
displaced, being willing and more likely to say that their identified youth who express the
open to adopting new tools, colleagues are trustworthy, desire for continued learning as
methods and technologies will and are 34 per cent more more favourable candidates.
be important to stay relevant, likely to feel a strong sense of
prepare for unexpected ownership and commitment to
change and contribute to idea the company.46 Youth entering
generation. Employers are with this mindset demonstrate
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need30
Collaboration
The ability to work as part skills are, therefore, all found that 86 per cent of
of a team with an aligned micro‑attributes that are participants believed that
vision, while understanding currently in‑demand. a lack of collaboration was
and respecting team roles is responsible for workplace
essential. A person who can A study by Queens University failures.48 Employees who can
develop trusting relationships, of Charlotte shows that collaborate successfully have
contribute ideas, listen actively 75 per cent of surveyed proven to be able to solve
and aims to solve problems employees rate teamwork problems faster, create better
with others, demonstrates the and collaboration as very camaraderie, contribute and
ability to be a strong team important.47 In fact, many drive ideas, and adjust to more
player. Collaboration will be organizations identify complex environments.
increasingly important as jobs collaboration as the most
become less independent, and important key to success.
require more team engagement Further, a recent survey of over
and cross‑functional roles. 1,400 corporate executives,
Accountability, commitment, employees and educators
and active team engagement conducted by Salesforce
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need31
75%
75% of surveyed employees
rate teamwork and
collaboration as very important
20%
Empathy LinkedIn U.S. estimates
that by 2020, fields such as
massage therapy, customer
support, financial planning,
registered nursing and
Empathy is the extent to which While many routine‑based jobs caregiving will employ at least
20% more people
an individual is compassionate will be affected by automation,
and sympathetic to the positions in fields such as social
needs of others, and it is a work, nursing, caregiving and
human characteristic that has personal support work will
yet to be replicated by AI. grow in Canada. LinkedIn U.S.
Empathy exercises humility,
sensitivity, cooperation and
estimates that by 2020, fields
such as massage therapy,
82%
relationship‑building skills. It is customer support, financial
a vital leadership skill and is the planning, registered nursing and
strongest predictor of ethical caregiving will employ at least
82% of companies believe
leadership. While rarely listed 20 per cent more people than there is a strong connection
as a job requirement, employers they do today,49 and the ability between creativity and
seek empathetic candidates to demonstrate empathy will be business results
and are starting to use a variety vital to these roles.
of AI‑based software to identify
this quality in applicants.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need32
Creativity
Another difficult skill for AI A study by Adobe and Forrester
to replicate is creativity; the Consulting reports that 82 per
ability to perceive the world cent50 of companies believe
in new ways, to find hidden there is a strong connection
patterns, to make connections between creativity and business
between seemingly unrelated results. In fact, according to
phenomena, and to generate this report, companies that
solutions. Creativity is also actively foster creative thinking
the act of bringing new and outperform their rivals in
imaginative ideas to life, which revenue growth, market share
occurs in a two‑step process: and competitive leadership.
thinking, then producing. There This is further validated by
are many micro‑skills linked to an IBM survey of more than
creativity, including: 1,500 chief executive officers.
Creativity was ranked as the Youth with
• Associating: Drawing number‑one factor for future creative minds
connections between business success – above
questions, problems or management, discipline, coming into
ideas from unrelated fields. integrity and even vision.51 entry‑level
• Questioning: Posing queries Youth with creative minds
roles are highly
that challenge common coming into entry‑level roles sought after for
wisdom. are highly sought after for their their ability to
ability to produce and consume
• Observing: Scrutinizing new ideas quickly, and it’s a produce and
the behavior of customers, skill that can be sharpened over consume new
suppliers or competitors to time.
identify new ways of doing ideas quickly,
things. and it’s a skill
• Networking: Meeting people
that can be
with different ideas and sharpened over
perspectives. time.
• Experimenting: Constructing
interactive experiences
and provoking unorthodox
responses to see what
insights emerge.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need33
Top Skills of Canadian Graduates’ in 2017
LinkedIn has identified the following top skills listed by recent graduates in 2017:
1 Microsoft Office
2 Teamwork
3 Time management/
prioritization
4 Project management
5 Research
Research from Burning Glass and CivicAction’s own employer consultations further
validates that these skills are appearing in job postings most frequently. Therefore,
youth must learn and refine these skills as they prepare to enter the labour market.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need34
Part 4
Future of Tech
Major advancements in which has resulted in rapid
technology have changed adoption of technology.
the way humans live and Machines are already
work over the years. With an undeniable necessity
the invention of the steam of modern life and our
engine, the first industrial dependency on them is
revolution resulted in only expected to increase,
large‑scale urbanization. consequently causing mass
In the 20th century, disruption to the Canadian
the second industrial labour market.
revolution brought about
mass industrialization and
manufacturing.
We are presently in the age
of automation and machine
learning – dubbed the third
industrial revolution –
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need35
“People have embraced technology in most aspects of life and
that experience has grown in expectations for the companies
they interact with to do the same. Technology, combined with
the right people-powered skills, will allow us to deliver simple,
intuitive and personalized products and services that meet our
client’s needs. As a result, Manulife is transforming our business
to become a customer-centric market leader, which includes a
focus on digital innovation and operational efficiency to ensure
we remain competitive.”
– Greg Framke, Executive Vice President & CIO at Manulife
Automation & its Impact
ESDC estimates that tasks within these jobs will be for success in these fields. Take
approximately 44 per cent of automated in an attempt to the position of “bank teller”
jobs in Canada have a “high improve efficiency. Some of as an example. Previously,
probability of computerization” these tasks include predictable tellers spent most of their time
over the next 10‑20 years,52 physical labour, administrative processing transactions and
while other reports estimate tasks, and data collection handling money. However, as
upwards of 50 per cent of jobs and processing. However, the ATMs have risen in popularity,
are at risk of being disrupted.53 rate at which automation is tellers have begun focusing
Entry‑level positions that require adopted by these industries on client interactions, and
less than a university education will be dependent on the cost now perform roles related to
are anticipated to be highly of machinery and worker financial advising and portfolio
susceptible to automation, availability. management. In fact, the
whereas occupations in introduction of ATMs increased
management or those that Industries most at risk of efficiency but did not impact
require post‑secondary disruption include retail, entry‑level customer service
education are considered to food and accommodation, roles in the financial industry55
have a low risk of disruption.54 transportation and as teller positions rose steadily
manufacturing. Though this with the rise of ATMs.56
This is not to say that 50 per does not necessarily correlate
cent of jobs or industries will to significant job loss, it alludes
be lost, but rather that certain to a change in the skills required
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need36
The Industrial
Revolutions
1st Industrial
Revolution
Industry 1.0 | 18th century
Invention of the steam engine resulted in large
scale urbanization
2nd Industrial
Revolution
industry 2.0 | 19/20th century
Mass industrialization and manufacturing
3rd Industrial
Revolution
Industry 3.0 | 21st century
Large scale use of electronics, IT automation
and computing
4th Industrial
Revolution
Industry 4.0 | upcoming
Smart factories, internet of things,
and disruptive technologies
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need37
Technology Super‑clusters
44%
The Toronto-Waterloo soon after completing their
Innovation Corridor report education.57 In addition to The
44% of jobs in Canada by Mckinsey & Company, Toronto‑Waterloo Innovation
have a “high probability of discusses the potential for Corridor, emerging technology
computerization”
a technology super-cluster super‑clusters have been
in Ontario. With start‑up identified in Vancouver,
incubators like MaRS, Velocity, Montreal and Ottawa.
Communitech, NEXT Canada
and the Creative Destruction While digital literacy is a
lab; industry giants like necessary skill for the future,
Google, Shopify, OpenText many youth still lack access
$17 billion and Desire2Learn; as well
as several top performing
to even the basics, such as
proficiency in Microsoft Office.
post‑secondary institutions To ensure collective prosperity
Innovation in Ontario could in the area, the opportunity as a country, youth need to
contribute $17 billion in
direct GDP to Canada’s for innovation and job growth be equipped with basic digital
economy by 2025 is tremendous. Furthermore, literacy today so they are not
with Toronto as Canada’s left behind tomorrow.
financial capital and Waterloo
having the second‑highest
density of start‑ups in the
world, this innovation corridor
6% could contribute approximately
$17 billion in direct GDP to
Canada’s economy by 2025.
There is also a possibility
for 170,000 net‑new jobs in
At 6%, 2016 saw the highest the technology industry –
proportion of workers
employed in part‑time work in with the potential to employ
Canada since 1987 youth in entry‑level roles
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need38
Part‑time Work & the Gig Economy
At 6 per cent, 2016 saw the The rapid popularity of generate revue independently.
highest proportion of workers online intermediary platforms In 2015, approximately 40 per
employed in part‑time work in such as Uber, Airbnb and cent of Ontarians participated in
Canada since 1987. Forty‑six Task Rabbit, which facilitate the gig economy as consumers.
per cent of entry‑level positions contracts between themselves, With no signs of slowing down,
offered by employers in 2016 consumers, and service the gig economy is likely here
were for part‑time work.58 providers, have resulted in to stay.59 As youth continue
Youth were among those most major changes to the labour to join the labour market on
likely to have multiple jobs at market. This kind of short‑term, short‑time, contractual bases,
7 per cent. This data, at least contract‑based work is referred the importance of possessing
in part, suggests that there is to as the “sharing,” “freelance” both digital and foundational
a prevalence for part‑time and or “gig economy,” and has skills has never been clearer.
freelance jobs among youth. allowed individuals to maximize
unused assets/talents to
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need39
Conclusion: What will the future of work in
Canada look like?
The upcoming fourth industrial materialize in the years technology continues to
revolution could result in ahead, we can still expect to automate routine tasks, the
the emergence of new see many of the entry‑level human capacity for emotion,
disruptive industries that build positions and industries creativity and empathy is what
upon today’s virtual reality, we are familiar with today. sets us apart from machines,
blockchain and AI knowledge. Though the skillsets needed and will be our greatest
While several innovative to succeed professionally advantage while navigating
technology‑based jobs will will shift significantly as the careers of the future.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need40
Part 5
Take it from Us
Based on the skills access to youth‑focused
and sectors that have and targeted skills
been identified as training content. The skills
“in‑demand” in this report, presented in the learning
CivicAction has developed paths have been curated
recommendations for based on our findings in
government, youth and this report with a special
employers. focus on foundational
skills.
CivicAction and LinkedIn
Learning are also taking
steps to address the
skills gap. Together, we
are building customized
learning paths and courses
for youth, giving them
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need41
Government
It’s going to take 1 Youth will benefit from continued support and
an “all hands on investment in non‑traditional learning opportunities that
deck” approach complement traditional post‑secondary education and
pivoting market needs.
to labour force
development in a Investment in self‑directed online‑learning platforms
changing world. would allow youth to build in‑demand skills, especially
Here are our foundational skills, on their own time and at a
significantly lower cost.
recommendations
moving forward.
2 With the increasing gig economy, some youth have less
access to stable benefits, such as health care, mental
health supports and worker’s rights. As such, it will be
vital to implement policies which support youth choosing
to earn a living this way.
Youth
1 To stay competitive in the job market, online learning is
a cost‑effective, accessible and flexible way for youth to
enhance and refine the critical skills they’ve learned in
traditional school environments.
2 Youth must strive to build a growth mindset, as well as
understand how to acquire foundational skills needed in
the technology era.
Employers
1 Given that our future workforce will be highly skills
focused, employers should move to skills‑based hiring
over practices that prioritize a candidate’s credentials
and experience.
2 As employers continue to seek youth that possess
in‑demand foundational skills, they must also commit to
providing continued learning opportunities for youth to
upskill.
Now Hiring: The Skills Companies Want that Young Canadians Need42
References
1 Expert Panel on Youth Employment. “13 Ways to modernize youth employment in Canada – Strategies
for a new world of work.” Government of Canada, last modified May 30, 2017 https://www.canada.ca/
en/employment-social-development/corporate/youth-expert-panel/report-modern-strategies-youth-em‑
ployment.html
2 Belfield, C. R., Levin H. M., and Rachel Rosen. “The Economic Value of Opportunity Youth.” Civic
Enterprise, January 2012 https://aspencommunitysolutions.org/report/the-economic-value-of-opportuni‑
ty-youth/
3 Lamb, C., and Sarah Doyle. “Future‑proof: Preparing young Canadians for the future of work”
Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship, March 2017 https://brookfieldinstitute.ca/report/
future-proof-preparing-young-canadians-for-the-future-of-work/
4 Thornton, J., and Creig Lamb. “21st Century Workforce Survival Guide.” Brookfield Institute for
Innovation + Entrepreneurship, March 2017 https://brookfieldinstitute.ca/commentary/21st-centu‑
ry-workforce-survival-guide/
5 CivicAction and LinkedIn. “Unlocking New Insights & Potential From Our Technology Workforce.” March
2016 http://www.civicaction.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Economic-Graph-Report_Apr2016.pdf
6 Drolet, M. “Getting your foot in the door: A look at entry‑level job vacancies in Canada.” Statistics
Canada, December 2017 https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2017001/article/54898-eng.
htm
7 Statistics Canada. “Table 14‑10‑0023‑01 Labour force
characteristics by industry, annual (x 1,000).” Accessed August 24, 2018 https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/
t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1410002301&pickMembers%5B0%5D=1.7&pickMembers%5B1%5D=2.2&pick‑
Members%5B2%5D=4.1&pickMembers%5B3%5D=5.1
8 Ibid
9 Government of Canada Job Bank. “Sectoral Profile: Retail Trade Ontario 2016‑2018.” last modified July
13, 2018 https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/content_pieces‑eng.do?cid=12112
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