Overskilled and Underused? What PIAAC Reveals About the Canadian Workforce

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher delves into a discussion about the Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) with guest Noel Baldwin, Executive Director of Canada's Future Skills Centre. Baldwin explains the scope and purpose of PIAAC, compares it to PISA, and delves into its implications on policies, particularly how governments utilize the data. Key topics include global declines in adult literacy, factors affecting these trends, the use of skills data in Canada, and the future of PIAAC. The episode also touches on the potential impact on workforce skills, literacy strategies, and the changing landscape of policy-making based on hard data. 👉 Episode Links: Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC)Future Skills CentrePlease note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by Studiosity.Student success, at scale - with an evidence-based ROI of 4.4x return for universities and colleges. Because Studiosity is AI for Learning — not corrections - to develop critical thinking, agency, and retention — empowering educators with learning insight. For future-ready graduates — and for future-ready institutions. Learn more at studiosity.com.