Tamarack Institute Webinar

Creating dynamic, engaged, and
vital young workforces in cities

Seven-Part DEVlab Webinar Series

May 28 | June 11 | June 19 | June 23 | July 8 | July 15 | August 6

Description

This webinar series is co-hosted by the Tamarack Institute and Youthful Cities.

Bold Futures: Built by Youth. Powered by Skills. What skills do young people need to thrive — in work, in learning, and in life?

This spring and summer, join us for a compelling webinar series that brings together youth voices, expert perspectives, and community leaders to unpack the findings, challenge assumptions, and co-create solutions based on the findings of DEVlab, a national project funded in part by the Government of Canada’s National Essential Skills Initiative program.

Across seven sessions, we’ll spotlight the trends, tensions, and transformations happening in cities across Canada — and how we can move forward together.

Whether you’re a youth-serving organization, policymaker, advocate, community builder, or a young changemaker yourself, these conversations are for you.

Let’s build the future — boldly and collaboratively.

Webinars in This Series

Part 1: Born to Innovate: Youth Entrepreneurs Shaping Tomorrow
Date: May 28, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

Part 2: Building Belonging: The Youth Housing Challenge
Date: June 11, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

Part 3: Plugged In: Youth Skills for an AI-Driven World
Date: June 19, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

Part 4: The Green Shift: Youth Careers in a Changing Economy
Date: June 23, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

Part 5:  No Cap, You’re Hired: What Employers Really Look For
Date: July 8, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

Part 6: The Future of Work is Human: Mental Health and Culture at Work
Date: July 15, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

Part 7: Community Innovation in the North: Success Strategies from Indigenous Youth
Date: August 6, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET

Part 1: Born to Innovate: Youth Entrepreneurs Shaping Tomorrow

May 28, 2025 | 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET

Join us for a dynamic webinar exploring the evolving landscape of youth entrepreneurship in Canada.

In this webinar, we’ll dive into: 

• How location shapes opportunity and access by looking at the experiences of young entrepreneurs from both big cities and smaller or rural communities. 
• The barriers youth face in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 
• Inspiring innovations that youth are leading right now.
• The critical skills young people gain or need through entrepreneurial pursuits. 
• How these skills connect to emerging trends and the realities of Canada’s shifting economy.

Whether you're a young entrepreneur, future changemaker, educator, or someone who supports youth, this conversation is your chance to dive into a national movement that's all about rethinking work and building bold new ideas.

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Part 2: Building Belonging: The Youth Housing Challenge

June 11, 2025 | 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET

Explore the housing challenges facing youth today — from affordability and homelessness prevention to innovative solutions like coliving. This webinar will also highlight how careers in the skilled trades can play a critical role in addressing Canada’s housing crisis, and what supports are needed to get youth involved.

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Part 3: Plugged In: Youth Skills for an AI-Driven World

June 19, 2025 | 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET

In an age of rapid technological change, what skills do young people need to thrive? 
This webinar dives into: 

• Digital literacy.
• Responsible use of AI.
• The risks and opportunities of AI for young people.
• How emerging tech is reshaping education, career paths, and even skilled trades.

Whether you're a young changemaker, policymaker, educator, employer, or community builder, this conversation is your entry point into a movement to bring AI into the national consciousness when we talk about a “good” education.

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Part 4: The Green Shift: Youth Careers in a Changing Economy

June 23, 2025 | 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET

As climate change transforms the job market, youth are navigating new challenges and opportunities in the green economy. 

In this webinar, we explore:

• How climate action and sustainability are driving demand for new skills.
• How young people can prepare for a future rooted in environmental resilience.
• Real-world examples of youth taking action in the green economy.

Whether you're a young changemaker, policymaker, educator, employer, or community builder, this conversation is your entry point into a movement towards a youth-led climate-neutral economy and climate-ready communities.

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Part 5: No Cap, You’re Hired: What employers really look for

July 8, 2025 | 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET

Hear directly from employers on the changing expectations for youth talent in today’s workforce.

From professional sectors to skilled trades, this webinar offers insights into:

• What employers are looking for in young talent.
• How young people can best position themselves to gain the meaningful employment they seek.
• Which career pathways may emerge and how to align with them.

Join us for a webinar that brings together youth and employers to explore how we can co-create career pathways that empower young talent, create a common ground for young workers and employers, and ultimately strengthen communities.

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Part 6: The Future of Work is Human: Mental Health and Culture at Work

July 15, 2025 | 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET

Workplace culture is evolving—and youth are leading the charge for environments that are inclusive, accessible, and mentally healthy. 

This webinar explores:

• How accessibility is shaping the future of work.
• The role of disability inclusion and mental health in this accessible future.
• Where an ever-evolving culture may lead in workplaces.

Whether you're a young changemaker, policymaker, educator, employer, or community builder, this conversation is your entry point into a movement to make meaningful work available to all talent, with the support young people need. 

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Part 7: Community Innovation in the North: Success Strategies from Indigenous Youth

August 6, 2025 | 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET

Gain powerful insights from Indigenous youth and Northern communities on what it takes to succeed today.

Rooted in the YESS and Skills for Success frameworks, this webinar will:

• Share lessons on skills development.
• Discuss community-driven innovation.
• Bring awareness to the strengths that come from lived experience.

Whether you're a young changemaker, policymaker, educator, employer, or community builder, this conversation is your entry point into a movement to recognize the value of diverse experiences. 

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