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Sudhin, a young adult who is training to be an automotive technician, wonders whether it would be worth the effort to continue to pursue his dream career. He worries whether his job will become obsolete with the rapid advancement of electric cars, which will require computer programming skills more than mechanical skills. Due to an increase in the demand for higher-level computer programming skills in the workplace, many young people in colleges and universities, such as Sudhin, are uncertain about their future career paths.
In an era of rapid technological advancements, young Canadians face unique challenges and opportunities in navigating their career paths. In a recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Career Development, we highlighted how young adults between 25 and 35 are navigating career decisions in an increasingly digitized labour market. Through the lens of their experiences, participants reported helping and hindering factors in career development, the challenges of equitable access, and the growing divergence between education and labour market demands.
Helping and hindering factors
The study identified seven categories of factors influencing young Canadians’ career decisions: access, interpersonal connections, social media platforms, digital technology, workplace environments, flexibility and intrapersonal factors. Among these, some key helping and hindering themes emerged:
- Access and education: Access to digital resources and educational tools was a major advantage. One participant noted, “You can really become an expert in any field quite inexpensively. There’s a lot of free information online.” However, the overwhelming amount of information and the difficulty in discerning trustworthy sources posed significant challenges.
- Interpersonal connections: Networking and mentorship played critical roles in successful career navigation. Participants valued digital platforms like LinkedIn for fostering connections. However, the lack of in-person interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic hindered some individuals, as one participant shared, “It was hard to make the decision to do an online practice and invite more online work into my day.”
- Digital technology: While digital tools and platforms enabled flexibility and expanded opportunities, rapid technological changes overwhelmed many participants. As one remarked, “Keeping up with how quickly technology changes is difficult, especially for those with less digital literacy.”
The challenge of equitable access
The digital divide remains a persistent issue in career development. The study highlighted barriers faced by marginalized groups, including immigrants and individuals with limited access to digital tools. For example, some participants with international credentials struggled to have their qualifications recognized in Canada due to the lack of procedures for storing and transferring digital documentation, which is less common in developing countries. Others faced cultural and technological gaps, leading one to describe their experience as “starting from zero.”
“Keeping up with how quickly technology changes is difficult, especially for those with less digital literacy.”
These challenges underscore the need for policies that address digital inequity. Recommendations from participants included providing greater access to affordable technology and integrating digital literacy training into education systems. One immigrant participant suggested streamlining the credentialling process to better support newcomers in Canada’s labour market.
The divergence between education and the job market
A recurring theme in the study was the mismatch between traditional education models and the demands of the digital economy. Many participants felt unprepared for the rapidly changing job market. One noted, “Traditional university education spanning 4-6 years doesn’t equip you for the skills demanded today.
This divergence has led some young Canadians to rely on informal learning platforms like Coursera and YouTube to acquire in-demand skills. While these resources offer flexibility and affordability, they are not always accessible to individuals who need structured learning environments. This gap highlights the urgent need for educational institutions to adapt curricula to better align with labour market needs.
Policy and practice recommendations
Participants offered valuable insights into how educators, counsellors and policymakers can support young Canadians in navigating career decisions:
- Integrate digitization into education: Schools and universities should incorporate discussions on the intersection of digital technology and careers, equipping students with the skills to adapt to technological changes.
- Provide support during transitions: Young people need guidance to transition from education to the workforce. This includes mentorship programs, career counselling and access to up-to-date labour market information.
- Address inequity: Policymakers must focus on reducing barriers for marginalized groups. Ensuring access to digital tools and training for those who face systemic disadvantages is critical.
Looking ahead
The findings of this study highlight the resilience and adaptability of young Canadians in the face of unprecedented challenges. While digitization has brought uncertainty and disruption, it has also opened doors to new opportunities and career pathways. By addressing issues of access, aligning education with labour market demands, and supporting young people through mentorship and guidance, Canada can better prepare its youth for the future of work.
As we navigate the complexities of the digital economy, one thing is clear: success in career decision-making requires a collaborative effort between individuals, educators, employers and policymakers. Together, we can ensure that young Canadians are not just surviving but thriving in this new era.
