45 Career Development & Upskilling Statistics for Canadian Professionals

In the recent Canada’s  job market, upskilling and career development are essential for professionals to stay competitive. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing are transforming industries, and employers are prioritizing specialized skills, making continuous learning critical.

This report compiles 45 verifiable statistics on career development and upskilling, each linked to a credible source with a direct hyperlink, highlighting trends, challenges, and opportunities for Canadian professionals in 2025.

Perfect for HR leaders, career coaches, and job seekers, these insights aim to guide career planning and promote lifelong learning.

Why Upskilling and Career Development Matter

Upskilling (enhancing existing skills) and reskilling (learning new skills for different roles) are vital for career resilience in Canada’s dynamic workforce. From tech hubs in Toronto to healthcare demands in rural areas, professionals must adapt to meet employer needs.

These statistics, each with a clickable link to its source, reveal the state of skill development, employee expectations, and employer strategies in Canada.

The Growing Demand for Skills in Canada

1. 44% of Canadian workers’ core skills could be disrupted by 2028 due to AI and automation, necessitating upskilling [World Economic Forum, 2024].
2. 60% of Canadian workers believe upskilling is very important for career progression in a competitive market [Canadian HR Reporter].
3. 54% of Canadian tech companies are hiring for new roles, but 39% struggle to find qualified candidates. [Robert Half CA]
4. 88% of Canadian tech employers report challenges hiring skilled technology professionals [Robert Half].
5. 717,597 Canadians are employed in ICT, with growing demand for roles like systems analysts and network architects [Robertson College].
6. The Canadian public cloud services market is projected to reach CAD 19.65 billion by 2025, driving demand for cloud computing skills [Statista, 2025].
7. 71% of organizations have adopted agile project management, increasing the need for Scrum and Kanban expertise [Agile Mania].
8. 55,000 AI professionals were in demand in Canada by 2023, particularly in machine learning and data science [EDSTELLER].
9. 75% of Canadian companies face difficulties finding skilled workers, reflecting a skills shortage [Canadian HR Reporters, 2025].
10. 46% of Canadian workers feel employers focus too much on job history rather than skills [WEF 2024].

Employee Perspectives on Career Development

1. 68% of Canadian employees consider training essential to job satisfaction, boosting retention [Devlin Peck, 2025].
2. 45% of Canadian workers are more likely to stay with employers offering skill development opportunities [Devlin Peck, 2025].
3. 90% of Canadian employees are less likely to quit if provided with career development programs [Devlin Peck, 2025].
4. 92% of Canadian workers believe workplace training enhances job engagement [Devlin Peck, 2025].
5. 41% of Canadian employees rank career advancement as a top factor in job satisfaction [Gomada, 2025].
6. 35% of Canadians would accept a lower salary for a role aligned with their values, prioritizing growth [Robertson College, 2024].
7. 73% of high-earning Canadians ($120,000+ annually) say upskilling is critical to maintaining career success [Nikola Roza, 2024].
8. 64% of Canadian workers who upskilled report improved quality of life, including better job prospects [Valley of the Sun, 2024].
9. 75% of Canadian employees who participated in training achieved some form of career advancement [Statistics Canada, 2022].
10. 39% of Canadian workers who were upskilled received promotions, the most common advancement outcome [Indeed Canada, 2025].

Employer Investments in Learning and Development (L&D)

1. 59% of Canadian HR leaders planned to provide upskilling training in 2022, with continued focus into 2025 [Lorman Education Services].
2. 57% of Canadian organizations increased L&D budgets post-COVID to address skill gaps [AIHR].
3. 90% of Canadian executives plan to increase or maintain L&D investments in 2025 [AIHR].
4. 50% of Canadian companies invest in upskilling to reduce reliance on external hiring [Global Newswire].
5. 21% of Canadian HR professionals report their organizations are effective at upskilling or reskilling [Randstad, 2024].
6. 53% of training for entry-level Canadian employees is level-specific, tailored to their career stage [Statistics Canada].
7. 44% of training for Canadian managers focuses on leadership and level-specific skills.
8. 58% of Canadian L&D professionals have a seat at the executive table, up from 15% in 2021.
9. 87% of Canadian L&D professionals can demonstrate business value through internal role transitions [ATD, 2023].
10. 66% of Canadian L&D leaders view learning as a strategic organizational priority [LinkedIn Learning, 2023].

Challenges in Upskilling and Career Development

1. 20% of Canadian Gen Z workers say managers don’t understand their skill development needs [Monster Canada].
2. 29% of Canadian workers feel pessimistic about access to training for new skills [Rocky Market Outlook].
3. 31% of Canadian employees receive no formal training, limiting career growth [Statistics Canada, 2022].
4. 54% of Canadian HR professionals view L&D as a cost rather than a strategic investment [HR Reporter, 2024].
5. 26% of Canadian HR leaders struggle to identify future skill needs due to technological changes [KPMG Canada, 2023].

Industry-Specific Trends in Canada

• 1.5 million Canadians are employed in educational services, with strong job prospects for teachers through 2031 [Statistics Canada, 2023].
• The Canadian healthcare sector faces shortages, particularly for nurses, driving demand for upskilling programs [Health Canada, 2023].
• 64% of Canadian technology managers are hiring for new roles, focusing on AI and cybersecurity skills [CompTIA, 2023].
• 871,000 Canadians rely on gig work, requiring versatile skills to stay competitive [Statistics Canada, 2023].
• Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are economic hubs with surging demand for skilled professionals, despite affordability challenges [CBRE Canada, 2023].

Key Takeaways for Canadian Professionals

These statistics highlight the urgency of upskilling in Canada’s skills-driven job market. To stay competitive, consider these actionable steps:

• Target In-Demand Skills: Focus on AI literacy, cloud computing, and data analytics, which are critical across industries.
• Seek Employer-Supported Training: Choose companies with robust L&D programs, as 90% of employees stay longer with development opportunities.
• Commit to Continuous Learning: With 44% of skills at risk by 2028, explore platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning to stay relevant.
• Network Strategically: Build connections in tech hubs like Toronto and Vancouver to uncover opportunities.
• Advocate for Internal Mobility: With only 19% encouraged to explore internal roles, discuss career goals with your manager.

The Power of Upskilling, Mentorship, and Career Transitions

Upskilling, career mentorship, and transitioning into new roles are pivotal for Canadian professionals aiming to thrive in a skills-driven economy. Upskilling equips individuals with in-demand skills like AI and data analytics, ensuring they remain relevant amidst rapid technological change, with 44% of skills at risk of disruption by 2028.

Career mentorship provides personalized guidance, helping professionals navigate complex career paths and build strategic networks, particularly in competitive hubs like Toronto and Vancouver.

Transitioning into new roles, whether within an organization or a new industry, unlocks opportunities for growth, yet only 19% of employees are encouraged to explore internal mobility.

For Canadian professionals seeking the best support, The Career Accelerators stands out as the premier resource. Offering tailored upskilling programs, expert mentorship, and strategies for seamless career transitions, The Career Accelerators helps individuals unlock their potential and accelerate their careers in Canada’s dynamic job market.

Conclusion

Upskilling and career development are non-negotiable for Canadian professionals navigating technological disruption and skill shortages. By investing in continuous learning and leveraging employer support, individuals can enhance employability and job satisfaction.

Employers must prioritize L&D to retain talent and drive innovation. Share these insights with your network to fuel discussions on Canada’s future of work, and visit our blog for more career resources.

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