News

Futureworx Selected for WorldSkills Conference 2026 Skills CoLab in Shanghai, China.

Futureworx is proud to announce that our project, Beyond the Podium: Measuring What Actually Makes Skilled Workers Succeed, has been selected for the inaugural Skills CoLab at WorldSkills Conference 2026 ~ one of only 30 projects chosen from more than 130 applications submitted from across the globe.

The WorldSkills Conference 2026 takes place September 22–27 in Shanghai, China, with the Skills CoLab running on September 23 and 24 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre. The format brings together pioneering skills development projects from 21 countries in a dedicated marketplace-style space, where Conference delegates engage in structured 25-minute consultations directly with project teams.

Futureworx CEO Randy Lindsay will co-present with Shaun Thorson, CEO of Skills Canada. Together, they will share the evidence-based framework developed through their partnership - one that addresses a critical gap in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems worldwide.

About the Presentation

 TVET systems are skilled at measuring technical competency. What they rarely measure are the social and emotional skills - communication, teamwork, self-awareness, problem-solving, and stress management - that employers consistently identify as essential to hiring, retention, and advancement. These competencies do not compete with technical learning; they amplify it.

Futureworx has developed a structured, replicable framework aligned to Canada's national Skills for Success model that moves social and emotional skill development from aspiration to measurable outcomes.

Delegates at the Skills CoLab will leave with practical tools, employer research, and an invitation to co-develop the model for their own context.

At Futureworx, we are grounded in practice and positioned to share and scale nationally and internationally. We know we offer tools that have changed the social and emotional skills development landscape, and we are proud to bring that impact to the international stage in Shanghai.

 About Skills CoLab

 The Skills CoLab is a new format launching for the first time at WorldSkills Conference 2026. Selected projects are brought together in a dedicated space where Conference participants can book structured one-to-one and small-group consultations. This year's cohort of 30 projects spans 21 countries and represents the full breadth of the global skills development ecosystem.

Learn more: WorldSkills Conference 2026

An Update on the Work Activity Centre Program and Futureworx’s Path Forward

Futureworx has been supporting Nova Scotians through employment, training and community-based programming for more than 40 years. That legacy and the impact we’ve made together continues to guide our work each day.

The Province of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (OSD), has announced that the Work Activity Centre (WAC) program funding stream will conclude on December 31, 2025. This province-wide decision reflects a shift toward a more modernized and streamlined approach to workforce development and greater access to a broader range of programs across Nova Scotia.

We support this decision and are working closely with government partners to ensure a smooth, supported transition for all participants.

Our Commitment to Participants Remains Unchanged

While the Work Activity Centre program is ending, our focus on client well-being and wraparound supports remains. Futureworx continues to operate and deliver the high-quality services we’re known for.

We are proud of everything the Work Activity Centre has achieved in our community. We are equally proud to continue supporting clients through our other Futureworx programs, partnerships, and services. Our staff are equipped with the resources, tools and information needed to help clients understand their options, access supports and remain focused on their employment goals.

Looking Ahead to a Modernized Approach

The province has emphasized its appreciation for the long history and meaningful impact of the Work Activity Centre. They have also highlighted the importance of collaborating with organizations like Futureworx as a new generation of programming is designed.

We are actively engaging with the province and exploring opportunities to participate in the new funding model expected to begin in 2026. As always, we bring our commitment to innovation, inclusion and community-driven service to the table.

Honouring Our Story, Building the Future

The closure of the Work Activity Centre marks the end of one chapter, but it is only one part of our broader story. Futureworx has always evolved to meet the changing needs of Nova Scotians and we continue to adapt, innovate and grow.

We remain deeply committed to our mission and to the people we serve. Together, we will continue to create pathways to employment, build stronger communities and support the long-term workforce development needs of our province. One thing we know for sure is that Futureworx is here for the future of work in Nova Scotia.