AI Skills Gap: Is Canada Ready?

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. You’re listening to She & Success—where we spotlight the women entrepreneurs making waves in today’s business landscape. In this series, we highlight the journeys of inspiring women who are shaping the future of business and offering valuable insights for others looking to start and grow their own ventures. In today’s fast-evolving world, preparing young Canadians for the new economy is crucial—especially in STEM fields. Joining us today is Jennifer Flanagan, Co-founder, President & CEO of Actua. Jennifer has been a driving force in redefining STEM education in Canada for over 25 years, helping millions of young people, particularly those traditionally underrepresented, gain the skills they need to succeed. In this episode, we explore Actua’s AI Ready Project, a national initiative designed to equip youth, educators, and parents with the tools to succeed in an AI-driven world.Key Highlights:The AI Skills Gap in Youth & Essential AI Literacy: Why AI literacy is essential for youth career development and Canada’s economic future. Canada's AI Catch-Up & Global Competitiveness: The urgency for Canada to invest in AI skills to remain competitive globally. Navigating AI Education Challenges & The Role of Social Media: How Actua is helping guide youth and educators through the complexities of learning AI. Actua's AI Ready Project & Supporting the Ecosystem: How the AI Ready Project is helping youth, educators, and parents prepare for an AI-driven future. AI's Impact on the Workplace & The Talent Pipeline: Jennifer’s advice for small businesses on preparing for AI’s future impact on their operations and talent needs.Special Thanks to Our Partners:RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.htmlUPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWAGoogle: https://www.google.ca/A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspxFor more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.