The Future of Work Won’t Be Built by Hype. It Will Be Built by Real Experience.

We’re living in an era of major political, economic, and technological disruption — and it’s reshaping the labour market in real time. While Canada’s unemployment rate currently sits at 6.8%, down from 7.1% in August 2025, those numbers tell a different story for young people. Youth unemployment (ages 15–24) is the highest it’s been in over a decade. This isn’t surprising, but it is alarming.

Clearly the issue isn’t a lack of talent. It’s a lack of experience.

Startups and small businesses — many already navigating economic uncertainty and the ripple effects of U.S. tariffs, are understandably cautious about hiring. Entry-level roles are often the first to disappear. The result? Young people are left without the opportunity to build confidence, connections, and early career momentum — the very things employers say they want.

So where does that leave the next generation of workers?

To understand what’s missing and what’s needed our CEO, Steven Wang traveled across Canada to hear from post-secondary students, recent grads, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem partners about the future of work. Here are some core themes that came up: 

Proactive learning is a career requirement

The future of work isn’t just being shaped by the rise of AI — it’s being defined by who knows how to use it in real-world contexts. As AI tools become more accessible, the gap isn’t about access to technology, but experience applying it meaningfully.

That’s why initiative matters. Young people who actively experiment with AI tools, understand how they fit into workflows, and apply them to real problems will be better positioned to add value — especially in system-building, operations, and decision-making roles. At the same time, many small businesses are still unsure where to start with AI adoption or how to build internal AI literacy. This creates an opportunity for early-career talent to step in and contribute in tangible ways.

But AI alone isn’t enough. Over-reliance on automation without developing judgment, entrepreneurial thinking, and strategic problem-solving can be limiting.

Lean into human-centric skills

Skills like communication, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and adaptability are more important than ever before. Developing and honing in on these skills will make entry-level job seekers stand out as a top applicant. One of our alumni mentioned that going through VFC’s Fellowship Program helped him lean into human-centric skills, which opened up new opportunities for him to work across various industries. 

There’s no single “right” career path anymore

The traditional linear career — study, graduate, work in one field until retirement — is no longer the norm. Today’s careers look more like a “choose your own adventure,” with people moving between startups, freelance work, contract roles, corporate environments, and entrepreneurship. What hasn’t changed is the need for guidance. With more paths available, young people don’t need pressure to have it all figured out — they need mentorship, support, and permission to explore.

Confidence is built through real-life experience

Confidence is like a muscle, it’s built by putting the reps in, with experiences, failures, and challenges. Yet many job seekers find themselves stuck in a frustrating loop: they need experience to get hired, but need a job to gain experience. Left unchecked, this cycle can stall careers before they’ve even begun.

That’s why gaining experience outside of traditional employment matters. Freelance projects, volunteering, starting a venture, or working in an unexpected industry can all build skills, credibility, and self-belief. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress.

Policy still needs a lot of work in Canada

Individual effort alone won’t fix a systemic problem. Without intentional, well-funded labour policy, the gap between employers seeking experience and young people trying to gain it will persist. Canada needs stronger support for entry-level roles, clearer policy around the use of AI in the workplace, and sustained investment in pathways that help young people transition from education into meaningful work.

Real change requires commitment from governments, businesses, and institutions working together.

Community is key

In the aftermath of isolating, world-shaping events like the pandemic, belonging matters more than ever.

Community provides support through career uncertainty, job transitions, and personal growth. It keeps people motivated during long job searches and reminds them they’re not navigating change alone.

This sense of connection is central to our work at Venture for Canada. Across our programs, community isn’t an add-on — it’s foundational. As one Fellowship alum shared, “The community has been a very heartfelt place for me.”

When young talent isn’t given the space to learn, contribute, and grow, we all lose. Innovation slows. Communities weaken. And the economy misses out on its next generation of leaders.

If we want a future of work that’s productive, equitable, and resilient, we need more than ambition or access to new tools. We must create conditions that reward proactive learning — where young people are encouraged to experiment, apply their skills in real-world settings, and build experience early. That means intentionally pairing human-centric skills, diverse career pathways, and strong communities with thoughtful, proactive policy.

About Venture for Canada

Venture for Canada is a national charity that fosters entrepreneurial skills and mindsets in  Canadians, bridging education and work, talent and opportunity. Our ambition is to shape a future of work that is practical, inclusive, and grounded in real experience — where opportunity is built equitably across regions and communities, and young people are empowered to create value alongside AI with a lifelong entrepreneurial mindset.