Career development: Building the foundation of the future of work
The future of work is an imposing, ambiguous – and exciting – premise. Vital conversations about policy change, technological evolutions, economic projections, and skills gaps highlight the macro-level shifts that will shape the road ahead. The potential for positive change is massive; so too are the challenges that could impede progress.
The future of work becomes more tangible when we zoom into its human core: the career, education, and life journeys of millions of individuals in Canada. As Magnet Network Live convenes industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to bring the future of work into focus, CERIC is excited for the opportunity to elevate career development as a key pillar of this conversation.
As a national charitable organization that advances education, research and advocacy in career counselling and development, CERIC is committed to improving the economic and social well-being of people in Canada. When people thrive in their careers, the economy and business also benefit from a stronger talent pipeline. Career development contributes to increased employee engagement, stronger labour market participation, positive mental health, lower dropout rates, and better school-to-work transitions.
CERIC is looking forward to leading two panel discussions at Magnet Network Live: “The Career Code” (facilitated by CERIC Board Vice-Chair Keka DasGupta) and “The Paradox of Talent Creation” (moderated by Akosua Alagaratnam, Co-Chair of CERIC’s Advocacy & Community Engagement Committee).
These session topics mirror the themes highlighted in CERIC’s seminal report, Career Development in 2040: 10 Major Changes Impacting the Futures of Work and Workers in Canada.” This research delves into how shifts such as the explosion of generative AI and the transformation of the education landscape will shape the world of work over the next 15 years
Much like Magnet Network Live, the report aims to “create greater understanding of the range of possible futures we might expect.” Amid vast labour market changes, it posits that career development professionals are uniquely positioned to help workers and employers adapt. By embedding career development into policy and organizational strategies, workers will be equipped not just for their next job, but for lifelong employability and career satisfaction.
To unlock that potential, we have to work together. Currently, few adults in Canada access career services and low numbers of employers provide employee career development programs. This “hidden sector’s” significant socioeconomic impact has yet to be fully realized, according to CERIC and Challenge Factory’s 2024 report, Mapping Canada’s Career Development Sector. Unfortunately, Canada’s “fail first” approach to career development – where publicly funded career services are only available to those who have been laid off or injured, for example – means that not enough people or businesses are accessing its profound benefits. The report highlights 15 personas engaged in career development work, emphasizing how interest holders from funders to policymakers to educators need to collaborate under the “big tent” of career development to build a brighter future of work. We’re excited to kickstart this conversation at Magnet Network Live!
As we look to the future, we also invite you to join us at our Cannexus conference, where these vital conversations will continue. Be part of Canada’s largest bilingual conference focused on career and workforce development, where close to 2,000 virtual and in-person attendees will gather this January.
Together, let’s work to advance career development as an essential strategy to building a resilient, adaptable and thriving future workforce.