Thread by @ShawnMcGuirk

#RM_Ott19 @research_money next panel on Using the Full Spice Rack of talent and skills, w/ @BenoitTessier1 @ISED_CA, @rhonda_barnet of AVIT manufacturing, Elisha Ram @Labour_ESDC and @ajtibando @paletteskills

BT: there's a blame game on #skills ➡️ everyone points to someone else for leadership and responsibility for bringing skills to the next gen.

#RM_Ott19

Q: if the 3 panelists are marooned an island, what skills do they need?

RB says govt and academia are limited help, so she will get people from her company to interact with young people and set up a robotics competition on the island. Also #WIL and active mentorship.

#RM_Ott19

(wow, lots of resources on this island)

#RM_Ott19 AJT @ajtibando works mid career workers and helps program directors to support skill development at all levels. Help is needed from industry, to ensure their measure of success aligns with training outcomes, without being excessive. Skills can be learned on the job too!

#RM_Ott19 ER will first make sure there is proper labour legislation on the island. Next step is get the evidence, to see where the gaps are and what skills programs could be applied. Governments are facilitators, among many stakeholders who must collaborate

#RM_Ott19 when looking to upskill workers, it is useful to start at the demand level, and what skills are required for the jobs that need to be filled. Then, work back to how these skills can be gained, to create a supply of skilled workers. - @ajtibando

#RM_Ott19 @rhonda_barnet says academic institutions must act more like industry, to make sure grads are job ready. If industry is largely digital, then a grad without digital skills will not be aligned with an entire section of the job market. Early exposure to technology helps.

#RM_Ott19 ER adds that not everyone can go back to school to get a certificate attesting more "current" skills... life has a tendency to get in the way. AJT says skilling can be on a smaller scale, for 1 year, to 1 month, to 2 weeks. Accessibility is important!

#RM_Ott19 @rhonda_barnet says employers need to realize the priorities and strengths of the new workforce, e.g. Millennials are often meaningfully engaged with their community. These are skills and competencies that can contribute to the success of companies.

#RM_Ott19 AJT @ajtibando mentions bias and stereotypes: if we only think about "tech bros" as our tech experts, they will be more primed to succeed than those outside that artificial mold. Lots of #EDI considerations here.

#RM_Ott19 back to the spice rack: how to make sure underrepresented populations have opportunities and access to skills and jobs?
@rhonda_barnet mentions a toolkit her team developed on untapped labour. Also, need to expose more young people to what different workplaces look like

#RM_Ott19 this also applies to First Nations and veterans as well, whose needs and access must be carefully considered. More work is being done by @rhonda_barnet to determine the best approaches.

#RM_Ott19 ER @Labour_ESDC adds that the government realizes this, and ensuring skills programs are inclusive to underrepresented populations is critical. The government may need to be more nimble to adapt to the needs of different groups.

#RM_Ott19 adding an innovation lens to the discussion doesn't change the messaging : need to foster talent and make sure skills supply adapts to demand.

The downside of disruption for individuals is fear ➡️ disruptive programs must be geared towards improving personal stability

Question I wanted to ask #RM_Ott19 :

How can ppl self-check what skills they already *have*? Without this, it's hard to career plan.

E.g. Some PhD grads only know to say they're a topic expert. Others know to pitch their project management, big data, and team building skills.

... it's great to support skills development, but it's also important for ppl to be able to describe what skills they have already gained through their previous training or employment. #RM_Ott19

@threadreaderapp #unroll please!