Polytechnics Canada and the Conference Board of Canada have released a report that examines how polytechnic education addresses labour market demands across the country. The report included an analysis of more than two million job postings in 2023. It found that the most in-demand skilled occupations were in the health care, skilled trades, IT, tourism and hospitality, or care sectors. It revealed that these sectors faced significant labour shortages, especially for skilled workers with a postsecondary education. The report notes that Polytechnics Canada member institutions offer programming that aligns with 86% of in-demand skilled occupations across these clusters. To fill workforce gaps, the report urges the federal government to invest in upskilling, infrastructure and equipment, and international talent.
