Gen Z are the youth of the future. They’re excelling in their studies with goals to take charge in impactful careers in STEM, continuing to evolve our world. Bouncing back from the effects of the pandemic, students are eager to resume their education and build on career-readiness skills. In light of World Youth Skills Day on July 15, Actua aims to provide students with the tools and resources to ignite their aspirations in STEM. We chatted with Canadian technology CEO and STEM leader Jennifer Flanagan to learn more. —Vita Daily
Hi Jennifer! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start:
I am passionate about education and technology equity and working to make sure that youth have the skills and confidence they need to thrive now and in the future. I am a co-founder and the CEO of Actua, Canada’s leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education outreach organization. Together with a national network of universities and colleges, Actua engages youth from all corners of the country in transformational STEM learning experiences. STEM is an incredibly effective way to build critical employability skills and confidence. As our reliance and relationship with technology continues to deepen; ensuring that all Canadians have access to the tools needed to be educated on STEM is now an absolute must.
With World Youth Skills Day coming up, what are some of the skills youth need to thrive now and in the future?
Youth need to focus on advancing their own unique skills, and exercise areas such as creativity, problem solving and curiosity, which will benefit them in all areas of their life. With this foundation, youth should also expand their technological skills for success in the future ahead. Innovation and science are key areas of our economy, so preparing the youth of today to lead in these areas tomorrow is vital to ensuring a strong, sustainable economy in Canada. Skills acquired through STEM will help youth better understand the world around them. Technology training, including cyber safety, are also vital as our world continues to go digital – the careers of tomorrow require that young people build these skills today.
How about some approaches to equipping youth with these skills, such as digital skills training?
At Actua, we believe in engaging youth from a young age in fun and relevant STEM education and supporting their continued engagement through to adulthood. Through our 43 network members across Canada and through workshops and camps, we’re doing just that. Doing this will ensure a continuation of knowledge and experiences, while also keeping the thirst for learning alive and their confidence in STEM strong. Our camps reach young children, primarily throughout the summer and we are also in thousands of schools delivering workshops and training teachers. Initiatives that specifically engage Indigenous high school students, including our InSTEM land camps provide STEM education grounded in Indigenous Knowledge – in some cases providing a high school credit. Finally, our camp instructors are post-secondary students who receive valuable work experience through these opportunities in advance of graduation.
What does the current skills gap or skills shortage facing Canada’s economy look like?
The skills gap in Canada’s economy poses a significant challenge that requires urgent attention. The demand for skilled workers in STEM fields is rapidly increasing, while the supply of qualified professionals struggles to keep up. This challenge is compounded by the transition of certain sectors, such as automotive and agricultural, towards digitalization. As these industries increasingly rely on technologies like automation, data analytics, and precision farming, the demand for workers with digital skills intensifies. To address this gap, engaging youth in STEM education is crucial. By fostering interest and proficiency in STEM education at an early age, we can inspire the next generation of innovators and bridge the skills shortage in critical areas such as AI, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and clean energy. However, it is equally important to emphasize the vital role of STEM education equity. By ensuring equal access, resources, and support for all individuals, regardless of background, we can build a diverse and inclusive workforce that harnesses the full potential of Canada’s talent pool.
Why should and how can our education system be responsive to changing skill-demands?
Our education system must be responsive to changing skill-demands, particularly in digital and STEM fields, to ensure that youth are well-prepared for the evolving job market and equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital age. To achieve this, our education system can adapt by focusing on industry relevance, future-proofing, and driving economic growth. Firstly, aligning education with industry demands is crucial. The job market is increasingly driven by technology and STEM-related fields. By incorporating industry-relevant content and practices into the curriculum, we can equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in these sectors. This includes providing opportunities for hands-on experience, internships, and partnerships with industry professionals to bridge the gap between education and the workplace. Secondly, the digital landscape is constantly evolving, and it is essential to teach adaptable skills and foster a mindset of continuous learning. Rather than solely focusing on specific technologies or tools, the education system should emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability. By developing these foundational skills, students can navigate emerging technologies, stay abreast of evolving trends, and remain competitive throughout their careers. Lastly, a well-prepared workforce in digital and STEM fields is vital for economic growth. By providing relevant education in these areas, we can foster innovation, attract investments, and create job opportunities in emerging sectors. This includes encouraging entrepreneurship, promoting research and development, and collaborating with industry and government to ensure that the education system aligns with the needs of the economy.
What about parents? What can we be doing to encourage/increase skill-development among our own kids?
Parents play a crucial role in encouraging and facilitating skill development among their children. Remember that every child is unique, and it’s essential to understand and respect their individual interests and learning styles. By providing a supportive and encouraging environment, you can inspire your child’s skill development and nurture their potential. Parents can support their child’s skill development in a few different ways such as: fostering a growth mindset, encouraging curiosity and exploration, providing a learning-friendly environment, balancing screen time while supporting digital literacy and cyber safety, and celebrating achievements.
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