TORONTO, ON. FEBRUARY 27, 2023 – As announced today by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Palette Skills is pleased to be named as a national delivery partner for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Upskilling for Industry Initiative, a $250 million investment that will support the development and implementation of short-cycle upskilling programs driven by industry needs in Canada’s highest-growth sectors.
Established in 2017, Palette Skills has in-depth experience leading and delivering upskilling programs throughout Canada, across a range of high-growth sectors, getting people to jobs. This new investment will enable Palette Skills will help Canadian workers – including those from underrepresented groups – transition into new jobs in our highest-growth sectors across the country. Initial sectors will include digital technology, cyber security, agriculture technology, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, and biomanufacturing.
As a national delivery partner, Palette Skills will help to connect industry, employers, post-secondary institutions, and private training providers to deliver short-cycle upskilling programs to high-potential workers. Programs will be co-designed with industry and employers to reflect the skills and talent needs of our most innovative companies.
Short-cycle upskilling initiatives will provide workers with the most up-to-date and in-demand skills, enabling them to adapt and succeed in a changing economy, and they will help fast-growing businesses thrive as they gain access to new sources of qualified talent.
“Canada’s economic growth depends on a robust and adaptable workforce that can thrive in high-growth sectors. We want to make sure workers can gain the skills required to seize new opportunities, and we are putting employers at the forefront of the upskilling solution. This is a win-win situation benefiting both industry and Canadian workers,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
“Today’s commitment by the federal government is incredibly exciting for all of us at Palette Skills and for our partners across the country. Canada’s labour market is facing significant challenges but we know that, through the expertise and experience of Palette Skills and our partners, and through our mutual commitment to innovation, we will enable firms to meet their changing workforce needs and secure skilled talent. Equally important, we will ensure that workers across Canada have the opportunity to secure employment in high growth sectors of the economy through increased access to industry-driven upskilling,” said Janet Yale, the Chair of Palette Skills Board of Directors.
Investments in upskilling are investments in innovation, productivity, and ultimately, Canada’s future. Palette Skills is eager to continue supporting industry and individuals, helping Canadians realize their full talent potential.
About Palette Skills
Palette Skills is a national nonprofit whose purpose is to help Canada’s most innovative companies access untapped talent through industry-led rapid upskilling programs. Powered by a consortium of national business associations, leading academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations, Palette works to catalyze a network of partners to adopt new best practices in industry-led upskilling approaches.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Alexandra Yallouz
Communications Manager, Palette Skills
alex@paletteskills.org
