Platform aims to support those in underserved communities in Canada to transition to digital careers.
Canada’s digital economy is thriving. While some industries suffered economic downturns during the COVID-19 pandemic, the digital sector grew rapidly as Canadians utilized digital tools and services to work and study from home, connect with family and friends while in lockdown, access news and entertainment, and shop for goods. Further, more and more businesses and employers are seeking digital talent to help grow their business, adopt new innovative tools and stay connected with their customers.
This has contributed to unprecedented employment and opportunity in the digital economy. Research shows that currently 11% of Canadian employment is in the digital sector, and 250,000 new digital workers will be needed by 2025. That means by next year, Canada’s digital economy will represent an estimated 2.26 million jobs in the country.
But despite the opportunities, many in Canada’s underserved communities – 2SLGBTQI+, people of colour, newcomers to Canada, women and those in rural areas – face potential challenges and hurdles to switching careers and entering the digital economy.
Introducing the Digital Pathways Platform
On January 19, 2024, DIGITAL, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies, launched the Digital Pathways Platform. With a focus on helping Canada’s underserved communities enter the digital workforce, Digital Pathways offers users a step-by-step roadmap to successfully transition into and thrive in the digital economy. It provides free career guidance and education, as well as free career coaching from Randstad RiseSmart, an industry leader in coaching and career transitions.
Using Futurefit AI’s intuitive platform, Digital Pathways assesses users’ skills and matches them with digital careers that align with their knowledge and experience. It also outlines free on-demand LinkedIn Learning courses so users can upgrade their knowledge and gain more confidence in their skills.
Signing up for Digital Pathways provides users free access to a team of professional coaches, resume writers, career resources and job search tools from Randstad RiseSmart. They’ll help job seekers search out digital employment based on their individual needs, so they find the most relevant jobs – fast – with a 60% faster landing time than the national average.
With certified experts and award-winning technology, Digital Pathways is set to kickstart the digital career journeys of those in underserved communities in Canada and help open the way to economic prosperity.
Visit the website to find out more.