What would it take for every province to adopt apprenticeship-style models across post-secondary education? This panel explores how provinces can adapt existing apprenticeship and post-secondary education policies to enable the adoption of apprenticeship-style models to address workforce shortages in tech, and its potential to extend across a broader range of disciplines. It will examine Alberta’s 2022 reforms as a reference point, and surface what conditions or approaches are required in other jurisdictions to enable meaningful change without delay. 

Can an ancient model fuel the future of AI, cybersecurity, healthcare, and the careers of tomorrow? This discussion repositions apprenticeships as a tool not of the past, but of the future. Panelists will explore how the application of apprenticeship-style learning to tech can deliver talent for Canada’s fastest-growing innovation sectors by embedding real-world learning into the heart of emerging industries. 

Speed Connect is a unique networking event taking place during FutureWave that allows post-secondary students to meet and connect with industry professionals in a fun, engaging, and fast-paced setting. This event is modeled after speed dating, allowing students to rotate between different industry professionals for introductions and brief conversations.

How can we best position newly adopted apprenticeship-style models in Canada to be a lever for equity, accessibility, and social mobility? This session explores how apprenticeship-style programs can remove barriers to education and employment for Indigenous learners. It will examine living wage considerations, flexible models, cultural appropriate approaches to work and evaluating success, and the role of cultural and community supports and mentorship. 

What tools, policy environments, and partnerships do post-secondary institutions need to expand apprenticeship-style programs? This panel brings together institutional leaders who are evolving curriculum, delivery models, and internal infrastructure to support long-term, work-integrated education. It will also address how programs might serve both traditional learners and reskillers/upskillers. 

How can national policy, funding, and coordination accelerate adoption of apprenticeship-style learning? This panel explores the federal role in supporting cross-provincial consistency, employer incentives, and inclusive access to apprenticeship-style post-secondary pathways. It will discuss lessons from federally supported skills programs and explore what national coordination might look like. 

If we want a workforce system that’s fit for the future, we need to stop waiting for alignment – and start building it. A forward-looking panel on how Canada’s employers, industry groups, and third-sector leaders can help shape and implement a national strategy for apprenticeship-style learning.  

This closing session will center on what industry and civil society must do next to ensure apprenticeship-style learning becomes a national standard – not just in policy, but in practice. Panelists will explore anticipated barriers to adoption, emerging enablers, and how to align employers of all sizes around this opportunity. 

Following the discussion, participants will take part in a guided breakout (industry and third sector in separate groups) to advise on the tools, resources, and advocacy content needed to support each path of the national strategy – industry readiness and policy modernization.