Build Canada’s workforce

Compete for the world's best talent while developing Canada's workforce for the economy of the future

A diverse group of students working around a table.

To grow Canada’s economy and strengthen productivity, Canada needs people with the right skills and access to global talent. That means helping more Canadians prepare for in-demand careers while ensuring the country remains competitive in attracting top students, researchers and skilled workers from around the world.

Universities help make that possible. They prepare students for the workforce, help workers build new skills throughout their careers and attract international talent that strengthens Canada’s economy, research capacity and global partnerships.

Here’s how Canada can build a stronger workforce:

  • Better align immigration, trade, research and education policies to attract top talent, expand research partnerships and support export diversification in priority markets.
  • Ensure universities are key partners in workforce initiatives that help students, workers and mid-career professionals gain the skills needed in high-demand sectors.

By the numbers

  • 5.3M

    jobs

    By 2033, the Government of Canada projects more than 5.3 million jobs will require a university degree, increasing at an average rate of 1.5% per year.

  • 24%

    more earnings

    Graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn on average $68,300 thousand dollars per year, 24% more than the national average income.

  • 24K

    students in work-integrated learning programs

    An average of 24,000 students were placed in a work-integrated learning program, including co-ops, apprenticeships and internships, for each term in 2024.

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