Training and Skills Development Policy Options for the Changing World of Work

The literature on the changing world of work in the age of disruptive technologies is growing, demonstrating both the interest in and urgency of the issue. Drawing on an in-depth literature review, this article offers a critical assessment of the current state of empirical knowledge about what labour market training after disruption might look like. We also present results of a jurisdictional scan of current labour market training programs in Canada. We then examine the extent to which current policy practices regarding education and training are informed by existing research. We find that the “futurist” work has offered some predictions about expected macro changes in the workforce, including polarization of jobs, job destruction, and the scope and depth of disruption in both the global North and global South. Other research provides some insights into promising programs and policies. However, empirical analyses of these programs - with attention to the changing landscape of work - is limited. In addition, little is known empirically about the track record of success of current education, training, and social programs to adapt to and respond to the new world of work. Finally, alignment between the limited existing empirical research and programs that are currently being delivered to address the changing nature of work is tenuous at best. Thus, policy makers need to redouble efforts to invest in research as to who works and what works in this new technological era in order to respond effectively to anticipated labour force disruptions.This research was funded by a grant from the Ontario Human Capital Research and Innovation Fund (OHCRIF) from the Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development