At a time when OECD research warns that within the next two decades, one in seven jobs across 32 OECD economies could be automated entirely, and nearly a third will change considerably because of automation, Generation1.ca’s multi-year Global Industry Skills Study (GISS) reveals clear priorities for a future-ready workforce across every sector and role:
🔹 Critical thinking remains the most in-demand human skill in an AI-accelerating world.
🔹 AI and data literacy are no longer specialist skills they are essential across all job functions, from frontline service to senior leadership.
🔹 Qualitative research capability must rise to meet the growing need for nuance, context, and cultural intelligence. Intercultural human competencies improve capabilities to further train and collaborate with machines to understand deeper behaviours.
🔹 Support for immigrant talent must expand with job-relevant upskilling, networking, mentorship and most importantly, a commitment from employers to reduce bias and take intentional steps towards recognize global experience.
The future of work isn’t about replacing people with technology it’s about empowering people to work smarter with technology. And immigrant professionals are a key driver of that future. At Generation1.ca, we’re committed to advancing skills that unlock belonging, innovation, and economic growth for North America.
📖 Full booklet publication with snapshots from 2022-25 skills embedded below including insights, actions, and opportunities for leaders shaping the next decade of talent.
✨ Put these Insights to Action by Partnering with Us in 2026 and Lead Innovative Workforce Solutions across your Role and Organization
The opportunity cost of sitting out has never been higher: organizations that fail to attract and empower globally skilled, AI-ready talent will fall behind.
In 2026, you can directly support the next waves of the Global Industry Skills Study by joining Generation1.ca as a sponsor:
Choose from three sponsorship tiers —
$10,000 (Future Skills Builder) • $8,000 (Workforce Readiness Partner) • $5,000 (Career Pathways Supporter) — each offering high-impact visibility and engagement:
🌟 Sponsorship Benefits Include:
- Recognition across social media, newsletters, research booklets, and our website
- Access to 2,000+ globally connected members across North America
- Brand visibility at select flagship events throughout 2026, including:
- AI & Data Literacy Day — January
- Future Ready Innovators Launch Party
- Galactic Ready Talent Spring Career Fair & Case Competition — April
- “Tastes of Tomorrow” Festival — June
- Fall Career Fair and Case Competition — September
- Future Ready Governance Forum (Ottawa) — November
- Heroes & Connectors: The Immigrant Un-Holiday Party — Early December
- Opportunities to engage directly with employers, job seekers, policymakers, and industry leaders.
- Leadership in closing the AI and skills divide for newcomers and employers alike.
