Working with and inspiring Youth in the 21st Century – Tylaine Duggan
Today on your show our topic is: “Working with and inspiring Youth in the 21st Century”. There are a lot of things that fill us with hope for the future: Technology, science, ethical and accountable leaders, nonprofits, and even mission-driven corporations committed to doing good. But there are few things that give us more hope for the future than young people. In the age of information warfare and AI technology, young people come face-to-face daily with problems not of their own making: natural, and man-made disasters, injustices, student loan debt, mental health stigma, corrupt leaders and corporations, and endless social change. So how do we help youth steer this global complexity to make the world a better place?
Key Takeaways
- The show emphasizes empowering youth by providing platforms for self-expression, particularly through the arts, to build self-esteem and avoid negative influences.
- It engages the community with partnerships, including local businesses and institutions like TD Music Hall, offering youth opportunities such as performance stages and potential recording contracts.
- Events focus on participation and self-expression rather than competition, creating a supportive environment where every performer is celebrated.
- The initiative is entirely volunteer-driven, with no remuneration for anyone involved, highlighting a strong sense of community involvement.
- “Thank You Points” are introduced as a form of currency for youth to earn rewards through community service, addressing challenges like poverty and access to opportunities.
Adapting higher education for AI advancements – David Goldberg
Today on your show we focus on “Rebooting Higher Education in an AI-Dominated World”. In the past 5 years there has been a plethora of articles and critiques that higher education is not fit for purpose. They include the CBC, HBR, Forbes, NBC, Times Higher Education, The Atlantic, Brookings Institution, and many more. And in the past year AI has taken off like a rocket disrupting every sector of society including higher education. Today’s guest is a true AI pioneer who changed his career direction 15 years ago to address this problem head on – to fundamentally transform higher education.
Key Takeaways
- Higher education is outdated and needs transformation to keep up with the rapid rise of AI and technology.
- David Goldberg left academia to focus on reforming education, using practical initiatives like iFoundry to better engage students emotionally and culturally.
- His “Digital Gaggle” concept highlights the impact of AI, robotics, and apps on education, urging systems to adapt.
- Goldberg’s books advocate for balancing theory with practice and fostering student engagement and intrinsic motivation.
- He uses private sector change management techniques in academia, emphasizing practical, action-driven approaches to educational reform.
Life Long Learning – Bryan Karney
Today on your show, our topic is: “Lifelong Learning and Its Importance.” Lifelong learning extends beyond traditional education, embracing continuous personal and professional growth driven by curiosity and adaptability. Bryan Karney emphasizes that this form of learning is essential for navigating a rapidly changing world where no job or skill remains static. Lifelong learning is not just about acquiring new skills; it’s about maintaining an open mind, embracing new challenges, and adapting to new realities. It’s a necessary survival skill in today’s evolving landscape, turning obstacles into opportunities for personal development and fulfillment.
Key Takeaways
- Lifelong learning is essential for adapting to change and maintaining relevance in a rapidly evolving world.
- It involves self-directed learning beyond formal education, driven by curiosity and personal growth.
- Bryan emphasizes that learning should be seen as a privilege and opportunity, not just an obligation.
- Emotional intelligence, including patience and resilience, plays a crucial role in overcoming setbacks and continuing to learn.
- Creativity and problem-solving skills can be developed through continuous learning and adapting new methods.
Motivating and Engaging the Next Generation Workforce – John O’Dywer
Today on your show our topic is: “Motivating and Engaging the Next Generation Workforce”. A new study by Amazon finds that almost three-quarters of Millennial and Gen Z workers are planning to quit their jobs in 2023 due to a lack of skills-building opportunities. The pandemic changed everything, and now a struggling economy promises to shake things up even more. What’s evident today is that amid all these changes, a growing number of workers are concerned about staying competitive. The study, which surveyed 3,000 workers from a wide swathe of industries, found that: -78% fear they lack skills to advance their career, 71% are concerned they lack education to advance their career, 58% are worried their skills are already outdated, 70% feel unprepared for the future of work.
Key Takeaways
- The show explores the importance of motivating and engaging the next generation workforce, highlighting the need for skill-building opportunities amid economic challenges.
- John O’Dwyer’s course “Getting It Done” at Rotman School of Management teaches practical management skills through intensive, hands-on simulations, focusing on teamwork and real-world applications.
- He emphasizes the need for passion, courage, and a structured system in achieving results, applicable in both corporate and non-profit settings.
- John discusses the shift from organizational loyalty to career loyalty among young professionals, stressing that companies must invest in their employees’ growth to retain talent.
The Skills Shortage in Canada and why trades matter – Jaswinder Bhatti
Today on your show our topic is: “The Skills Gap In Canada – a 50 year old problem”.
There is widespread agreement that the labour force in Canada is changing, and that the changes will accelerate as baby boomers enter retirement, carbon-emitting industries are replaced by green jobs and we look to a post-COVID economic recovery. There is considerable evidence to suggest that there is a large and growing talent gap in the country, with many jobs going unfilled because employers can’t find people with the right skills to fill them. The federal government seems ready to move away from discussing the problem and toward promoting a solution to support the transition. How do we solve the mismatch between the available jobs and a workforce with the required skills?
Key Takeaways
- Jaswinder Bhatti immigrated to Canada from Punjab in 1985, starting as a laborer and advancing to Vice President of Applications Engineering at Samco Machinery through persistence, education, and a strong work ethic.
- Despite having a degree in geography, Jaswinder pursued a career in tool and die making, highlighting the importance of practical skills and adaptability in achieving career success.
- He emphasizes the critical role of skilled trades in bridging Canada’s labor market gap, advocating for the reintroduction of trade skills training in high schools.
- He stresses the need for a cultural shift in valuing skilled trades, advocating for early education in practical skills to address the ongoing skills gap in Canada’s workforce.
Engineering Education and Training as a Way of Thinking in Day to Day Life – Megan Maloney
The episode of “Innovation Nation” on CareerBuzz featuring Megan Maloney highlights her journey as a Canadian engineer who translates her passion for innovation into her career. Hosted by Stephen Armstrong, the show explores Megan’s experiences in structural engineering and her transition to working on rail alignment projects in Dublin, Ireland. The discussion also covers Megan’s adept use of technology to solve practical problems, her perspectives on gender inclusivity in engineering, and her views on the impact of engineering education on career development. Megan’s story is a testament to how engineers can effectively navigate and influence the evolving landscape of global industries.
Key Takeaways
- Megan Maloney utilizes her engineering mindset to effectively solve everyday problems, such as locating a lost iPhone using technological tools.
- Her journey from structural engineering in Ontario to a rail alignment engineer in Dublin illustrates the global mobility and diverse career opportunities available in engineering.
- Despite being in the minority in some professional settings, Megan feels well-integrated and supported, highlighting progress towards gender inclusivity in engineering.
- Engineering education has shaped her not only technically but also in soft skills like confidence and problem-solving, which benefit both her professional and personal life.
- Megan considers transitioning to finance, demonstrating how engineers can apply their skills across different sectors and indicating the versatility of engineering education.