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D. Scott MacDonald

Five Upskilling Trends to Watch in 2025

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As we start 2025 the world of workforce development and upskilling will continue to evolve. These five trends highlight significant opportunities for early adopters who are prepared to embrace change and innovate. Here’s how organizations and institutions can position themselves for success in 2025.

1. Doing More with Less
In 2025, constrained immigration policies will reshape workforce dynamics, particularly in Canada and the Western world. With declining public support for large-scale immigration and shifts in government priorities, businesses and institutions will face increasing pressure to rely on existing human capital. For organizations, this means investing more in upskilling and reskilling their current workforce to fill skill gaps traditionally addressed through temporary international labour. Post-secondary institutions must also adapt, as finite undergraduate numbers force them to reduce costs and seek new revenue streams. Forward-thinking institutions will pivot toward workforce training and professional development for mid-career workers, creating sustainable opportunities despite declining international student revenues.

2. Embracing the Impacts of AI
Artificial intelligence will continue to revolutionize workplace productivity in 2025. Businesses that thrive will be those that embrace AI as a tool for enhancing efficiency and innovation. The demand for professionals skilled in leveraging AI to maximize output will rise sharply. For post-secondary institutions, the challenge lies in equipping students with the skills to integrate AI into their studies ethically. Personalized, AI-driven learning tools offer a significant opportunity to tailor education to individual skill gaps and needs, creating more adaptive and engaging learning environments. Organizations that adopt AI training now will be better positioned to lead in a more competitive marketplace.

3. Rethinking Credentials
As labour markets tighten due to demographic constraints and reduced immigration, traditional credentialing models will face disruption. Employers can no longer afford to rely solely on degrees as gatekeepers to employment. Instead, they will focus on demonstrated competencies—hiring candidates who can prove their ability to meet organizational needs, regardless of formal credentials. This shift will also pressure regulated professions to adapt, with increasing demands for flexibility in foreign credential recognition and domestic equivalency. Organizations and educational institutions prioritizing competency-based hiring and training will be at the forefront of this evolution.

4. The Rise of Digital Twins
Digital twins are set to transform training methodologies in 2025. Industries like manufacturing and automotive are already building virtual replicas of their facilities, enabling staff to train in immersive 2D and 3D environments. These virtual learning experiences, grounded in realistic simulations and formative feedback, will accelerate skill acquisition while reducing costs and inefficiencies. The balance between virtual training and real-world application will be key. Companies leveraging digital twins alongside hands-on learning will cultivate higher proficiency and preparedness among their workforce. This trend offers an unparalleled opportunity for organizations to revolutionize how they approach complex and technical skills training.

5. Being Human in an AI World
As AI and technology continue to reshape workplaces, the human element will become increasingly vital. Empathetic leadership that prioritizes emotional intelligence and collaboration will drive innovation and engagement. Leaders who excel at fostering meaningful connections within their teams will create environments that inspire creativity and resilience. Additionally, organizations will begin integrating learning with the broader employee experience, ensuring that training is seen as a valuable component of career development. This holistic approach will motivate employees to embrace upskilling opportunities, creating a win-win for both individuals and organizations.

Looking Ahead
The trends shaping 2025 highlight immense opportunities for those ready to adapt and innovate. Organizations can thrive in a rapidly changing world by investing in upskilling programs, embracing AI, and prioritizing human-centric leadership. Early adopters who align their strategies with these trends will lead the way in building a workforce prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

4 Ways to Transform Education and Close the Skills Gap

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At the recent Accelerate 2024 conference, Propero Learning Systems highlighted a pressing issue: the widening gap between post-secondary institutions and industry. A staggering 68% of industry associations report no meaningful collaboration with educational institutions, and even fewer see successful outcomes when they try. This isn’t just an academic problem – it’s a strategic challenge. But instead of lamenting, we need to innovate. Here are four actionable steps to rethink how education and industry work together to build a stronger, future-ready workforce.

1. Accelerate Curriculum Development
The traditional curriculum model is too slow for today’s rapidly evolving industries. By the time new courses roll out, much of the technical knowledge is already outdated.
Solution: Adopt real-time collaboration models where industry partners co-create courses, ensuring they stay current with technological and workforce trends. Think agile processes for education—because speed matters.

2. Build Bridges, Not Bureaucracies
Bureaucratic red tape is a creativity killer. Curriculum approval processes often stifle industry involvement, leaving educational institutions struggling to adapt to real-world needs.
Solution: Break down barriers by creating flexible pathways for industry input. Streamline governance structures to allow faster, more meaningful collaboration. Make education a partner, not a silo.

3. Make Continuing Education Affordable
Collaboration often falls apart due to cost. Economic models for partnerships between education and industry can be prohibitively expensive, leaving both sides frustrated.
Solution: Develop economically viable continuing education models that benefit both institutions and employers. Affordable, accessible programs will not only upskill the workforce but also create a steady talent pipeline.

4. Adopt a Mindset of Continuous Adaptation
Static systems won’t survive in a dynamic economy. Education must evolve from slow-moving, insular processes to agile, responsive ecosystems.
Solution: Foster a culture of continuous improvement within academic institutions. Embrace innovation, invest in new frameworks, and empower leaders to deconstruct outdated paradigms. Flexibility is the key to staying ahead.

The Time to Act Is Now
This isn’t just about solving today’s problems—it’s about creating a future where education and industry are equal partners in success. Together, we can close the skills gap, accelerate workforce readiness, and drive sustained economic growth. Join us. Let’s reimagine the way we prepare for the future – one innovative step at a time.