The demand for additional skilled construction workers to deliver Ontario’s ambitious infrastructure plans over the next decade is forecast at around 100,000. Ontario Provincial Government has committed $190 billion over the same 10-year period to support delivery of a wide range of infrastructure projects including highways, public transit, hospitals, schools and prisons. As of June 2024, 25 projects valued at around $30 billion were in the procurement process.In addition to Provincial spend, the Government of Canada has committed $3.9 billion of Federal funding over the next 6 years to support the planning of Alto, a high-speed rail project from Toronto to Quebec, with this project alone predicted to support over 50,000 jobs over a 10-year period.Delivering this ambitious infrastructure pipeline will rely on a steady stream of students from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related studies joining the workforce to help plan and execute these projects. Despite this, the shortfall in supply of skilled workers persists, demonstrating the need to cultivate the talent to support innovation and delivery of the critical infrastructure projects needed by society

Reflecting on his own transition from university into the world of work, Peter considered the challenges he faced and emphasised the need to develop the ability to function well in work environments. Peter also reflected on the importance of supporting students as they integrate into the workforce:

“Students are taught to solve problems with a clear answer, but navigating the real world is not simple.  Despite their intelligence, students often struggle with social skills and teamwork. They primarily focus on technical accuracy assuming that is enough to succeed, neglecting the importance of communication and collaboration. This gap can make it challenging for students to transition into the professional environment and advance their continued professional development.”