Kevin Peesker, President of Microsoft Canada, is a visionary leader who is deeply committed to addressing the skills gap in Canada’s workforce. With a background in the tech industry spanning nearly three decades, Peesker understands the importance of investing in skills training programs to ensure that individuals and organizations remain competitive in today’s digital economy.
Peesker recognizes the urgent need to take action to bridge the skills gap in Canada. According to ICTC, there will be 200,000 unfilled tech jobs in Canada in 2020, and 19% of current employee skills will be irrelevant in three years. To address this challenge, Microsoft Canada is investing $2 million in digital skills initiatives and is committed to upskilling 25,000 Canadians in 2020.
One of the key initiatives introduced by Microsoft Canada is Microsoft Training Days, which offers free training events for technical professionals across 10 cities in Canada. These events focus on core cloud computing concepts, cloud migration, data analytics, AI, and more, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage with experts and delve deeper into technology solutions such as Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365.
In addition to upskilling technology professionals, Microsoft Canada is also focused on empowering business leaders to strategically apply technology to their industries. Peesker emphasizes that digital transformation is no longer limited to traditional technology companies – every company must consider itself a tech company. Microsoft Learn offers industry-recognized certifications and in-depth training for business professionals, while AI Business School provides comprehensive AI business training to help organizations define an AI strategy and enable an AI-ready culture.
Furthermore, Microsoft Canada is dedicated to equipping the leaders of tomorrow with digital skills that will empower them to succeed in the digital economy. Through initiatives such as AI Pathways, a talent development program for students pursuing a career in AI, and partnerships with nonprofits to prepare youth for the future of work, Microsoft Canada is ensuring that underserved communities have access to training opportunities for a digital economy.
Peesker’s leadership at Microsoft Canada exemplifies a commitment to collaboration with academia, government, and industry peers to address the skills gap and ensure that Canada’s workforce is prepared for success in the digital age. By embracing the tech intensity mindset, being agile, and broadening skillsets, individuals at all levels can take on new challenges and contribute to Canada’s competitiveness in the global economy. Together, with a collective effort, Canada can win the race to bridge the skills gap and thrive in the digital economy.