Liberals unveil plan for upskilling program for mid-career workers

The Liberal Party of Canada has pledged to provide a new upskilling and training benefit for workers in the middle of their careers who require additional skills training to maintain career stability and success.

“To build the fastest growing economy in the G7, we need to have a skilled workforce. That means training and education for all, and for all time,” says Prime Minister Mark Carney, Leader of the party. “Canadians work hard, and if you are committed to learning a new skill to grow in your career, my new Liberal government will be there to support you. Together, we will build the most skilled workforce in the world—a workforce that is Canada strong.”

Under the new program, the Liberal government would provide up to $15,000 to workers in priority sectors, including manufacturing, health care, construction, artificial intelligence, and technology.

Many workers are experiencing "quiet cracking," and the economic uncertainty as well as dwindling job security are among the reasons, according to TalentLMS.

Liberals collaborating with employers

Amid the economic volatility faced by many Canadian businesses, the Liberals say they will collaborate with employers to support retention and upskilling within their organisations.

The party also promises to ensure that Canadian workers affected by tariffs have the necessary tools to pursue well-paying jobs and advance their careers in priority sectors.

“We will design these supports in partnership with labour, employers, and industry.”

Previously, the Liberal Party also unveiled a plan to offer an $8,000 apprenticeship grant for registered apprentices, along with expanded investments in training infrastructure, to address skills shortages in the trades sector.

Challenges in making changes mid-career

While some workers might simply want to continue growing in their craft mid-career, others may want to transition to a new path.

This is not an easy way to go, as Rika Whelan, leadership coach at Workplace Culture Hub, shares via LinkedIn.

“After nearly 20 years in the workforce, I decided to quit my job and work from home. That was a very scary move. An uncertain move. You question yourself over and over again about whether you've made the right decision and whether you'll still be able to provide for your family. 

“Career progression for me was taking what I've learned in the workforce and using that to help and support others who are currently where I've already been.”

Currently, these are the five major components of a skill development program that today’s employees want, according to Randstad:

1. On-the-job training – “Both blue- and white-collar workers consider on-the-job training the most important component of a skills development program. This type of program is most meaningful to blue-collar workers aged 45 and over, with 55% prioritising this training. Workers are looking for programs, such as mentorships and job shadowing, that will help advance their skills and career progression.”
2. Retraining – To ensure their skills remain relevant, 39% of blue-collar and 42% of white-collar workers want their employers to offer some form of retraining or upskilling program.
3. Educational discounts.
4. Tuition reimbursement.
5. Language training.

Employers have a huge role to play in supporting employees through career development. And they can fulfill that by starting with career conversations with workers, says Meghan Lavallee, chair, board of directors, at CERIC, which advances education, research and advocacy in career counselling and development.