S5 Ep. 02: Leveraging the Skills of Newcomers

The Future Skills Podcast

The Future Skills Podcast
S5 Ep. 02: Leveraging the Skills of Newcomers
Jun 18, 2025 Season 5 Episode 2
The Conference Board of Canada

In this episode of the Future Skills Podcast, host Jeremy Strachan dives into the critical topic of leveraging the skills of newcomers to Canada and its impact on economic and social success. Joined by Tricia Williams from the Future Skills Centre, Sharon McLennon from the Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre, and Shamira Madhany from World Education Services, the discussion explores how Future Skills Centre-funded initiatives have shed light on newcomer retention and workforce integration. 

The episode highlights barriers such as credential recognition, workplace bias, and lack of professional networks while emphasizing solutions like targeted upskilling, wraparound supports, and cultural competency training. With insights into workforce development across Canada, this episode underscores how effectively integrating skilled immigrants is key to addressing labor shortages and boosting economic resilience.

Guests

Tricia Williams, PhD, Director of Research, Evaluation, and Knowledge Mobilization, Future Skills Centre

Sharon McLennon, Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre

Shamira Madhany, Managing Director and Deputy Executive Director, World Education Services

Episode Artwork S5 Ep. 02: Leveraging the Skills of Newcomers 29:07 Episode Artwork S5 Ep. 01 - What Quality of Work Means in a Changing Labour Market 25:26 Episode Artwork S4 Ep. 07: Labour Market Data & Disruption—Insights from FSC @ Cannexus25 13:06 Episode Artwork S4 Ep. 06: Neurodivergent student experiences in post-secondary education 11:58 Episode Artwork S4 Ep. 05: Insights from Magnet Network Live 27:48 Episode Artwork S4 Ep. 04: Empowering Futures: Supporting Black Talent in the Canadian Labour Market 43:06 Episode Artwork S4 Ep. 03: Canada’s Productivity Puzzle: The Skills Connection 33:08 Episode Artwork S4 Ep. 02: Educating for Sustainability—Green Skills in Canada 31:46 Episode Artwork S4 Ep. 01: Educational AI—Unlocking Potential in Post-Secondary Institutions 37:02 Episode Artwork S3 Ep. 05: Indigenous Youth Entering the Labour Market 28:48 Episode Artwork S3 Ep. 04: Neurodiversity 26:33 Episode Artwork S3 Ep. 03: Les femmes en entrepreneuriat 44:31 Episode Artwork S3 Ep. 02: L’intégration des nouveaux arrivants au Canada : l’exemple du Nouveau-Brunswick 26:25 Episode Artwork S3 Ep. 01: Comprendre les pénuries de main-d’œuvre au Canada 25:25 Episode Artwork S2 Ep. 06: Skills for the Digital Economy 28:53 Episode Artwork S2 Ep. 05: Skills for the Clean Economy 26:07 Episode Artwork S2 Ep. 04: Putting Microcredentials into Practice 25:27 Episode Artwork S2 Ep. 03: Supporting the Future of Small Business and Entrepreneurs through Skills Development 29:55 Episode Artwork S2 Ep. 02: Adapting to Change—The Case of Canada’s Hospitality & Tourism Industry 19:51 Episode Artwork S2 Ep. 01: Youth Employment and Skills Training for an Inclusive Recovery 21:41 Episode Artwork Ep. 06: Gig Economy and Independent Workers 38:52 Episode Artwork Ep. 05: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Work—WIL 32:06 Episode Artwork Ep. 04: Upskilling and Reskilling (Mid-Career Workers) 34:02 Episode Artwork Ep. 03: Skilled Trades—Transitioning to a Digital, Green, and Human Future 34:52 Episode Artwork Ep. 02: Addressing Inequalities in the Workforce 27:27