Digital upskilling and reskilling newcomers: Effective design and implementation of competency-based programs and wraparound supports for newcomers
Research suggests ongoing challenges with skills mismatch, particularly with respect to digital skills in Canada. This gap is particularly pronounced for newcomers and immigrants, who are often recruited because of their technical skills but remain under-employed.
Objective
To support equity-deserving groups and overcome challenges with skills mismatch, skills and employment services started to introduce effective design and implementation of competency-based programs and wraparound supports. However, the effectiveness and impacts of these approaches are still unclear. Building on prior research, this project aims to review the current state of digital skills training programs targeting immigrants and newcomers in Canada.
Research question(s)
- What are the specific digital skill gaps in the labour market with respect to employer needs and talent?
- What factors account for the under-employment of newcomers with in-demand engineering and technical skills?
- What are the design forms and features of effective digital skills training programs targeting newcomers?
- What are the models and features of effective programs that transition newcomers into digital roles?
Methodology
This research will employ a multi-method approach including netnography and interviews. Interviews will be conducted with newcomers and intermediaries to better understand the barriers faced by newcomers in accessing employment commensurate with their skills. This project will also involve building a database of current digital upskilling programs including those targeting newcomers, their features and evaluation results.
Status
The project has started and is currently in progress.
Expected completion date: September 2026
Key words
Competency-based programs; digital skills; newcomer employment; training program; wraparound supports
