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 Recording: Born to Innovate: Youth Entrepreneurs Shaping Tomorrow
Date: May 28, 2025 

Part 2 Recording: Building Belonging: The Youth Housing Challenge
Date: June 11, 2025 

Part 3 Recording: Plugged In: Youth Skills for an AI-Driven World
Date: June 19, 2025

Part 4 Recording: The Green Shift: Youth Careers in a Changing Economy
Date: June 23, 2025 

Part 5 Recording:  No Cap, You’re Hired: What Employers Really Look For
Date: July 8, 2025 

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

This webinar explored;

• 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 dives 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

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 

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

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.

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

July 8, 2025

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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