The initiative will impact 125,000 students across 29 polytechnics, colleges, and universities nationwide
As one of Canada’s national AI centres and a recognized leader in AI literacy, Amii is proud to lead the consortium of the AI Workforce Readiness (AIWR) program. This foundational collaboration convenes 29 Canadian post-secondary institutions, collectively representing over 500,000 students, to forge a unified national approach to AI skills development and reaching an estimated 125,000 students per year.
Announced at Upper Bound 2025 and supported by Google.org, this critical national initiative was launched to address the urgent need to close the AI literacy and skills gap. This need is underscored by a growing body of data showing a dramatic increase in the AI skills gap. For example, a recent survey found 90% of employer respondents view adapting to tech change as a moderate to high priority, while 74% are struggling to find the skilled talent they need to do so.
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“Amii’s goal has always been to make AI education accessible, and the AI Workforce Readiness program is the culmination of that commitment. We are excited to work with our inaugural group as part of a growing national network,” says Cam Linke, Amii CEO. “By fostering a strong national collaboration, we are directly addressing the urgent AI skills gap and empowering both instructors and students—especially those in underserved communities—with the necessary AI literacy skills and resources. Our machine learning educators are working directly with the subject matter experts from each post-secondary institution to create learning assets that seamlessly integrate AI directly into existing courses and programs of study. This foundational work ensures that post-secondary students are equipped for the future.”
Amii’s goal has always been to make AI education accessible, and the AI Workforce Readiness program is the culmination of that commitment. This foundational work ensures that post-secondary students are equipped for the future.
Cam Linke
Amii CEO
Collaboration-Centred Design: Integrating AI into Specific Fields of Study
The primary output of this model will be the AIWR Curriculum Resource Packages. Amii’s machine learning educators will work directly with subject-matter experts (SMEs) from each partner institution in dedicated working groups to create specialized, open-source resources tailored to specific programs of study.
The packages are designed to build AI competencies for students entering specific fields. Each comprehensive, open-source package includes a number of learning assets, such as:
Reading and discussion materials
Real-world use cases and case studies
Videos and activities
Assessments and labs
The Consortium is Now in Session
Beyond input on curriculum design, consortium members will also gain early access to Amii’s Module 0 pilot in Fall 2025, with a full rollout in the winter semester of 2026.
Module 0 is a three-hour, self-paced online resource (an open educational resource, or OER) designed to equip post-secondary students and instructors with essential AI literacy skills. The course is structured into sections focusing on AI Literacy, Responsible AI, and AI in the Real World.
Through Module 0, the AIWR program aims to provide this foundational training to an estimated 9,000 students by May 2026, increasing to 125,000 per year in 2027 and 2028.
The early access and collaborative opportunities are further enhanced by exclusive pathways for members to engage with key national research, including the National Studies on the AI Skills Gap and the Future of Work. Additionally, members can access valuable professional development benefits, such as travel bursaries to attend Upper Bound 2025.
The consortium is officially underway, and the critical work has already begun. Calls for proposals for the first AI Curriculum Resource Packages are open, marking a powerful first step toward closing the national AI skills gap.
Amii extends a warm welcome to the inaugural group joining the AI Workforce Readiness Program:
• Alberta University of the Arts
• Athabasca University
• BCIT
• Bow Valley College
• Collège Boréal
• Conestoga College Institute
• Emily Carr University of Art and Design
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Lambton College
• Lethbridge Polytechnic
• MacEwan University
• McMaster University
• Medicine Hat College
• NAIT
• NorQuest
• Portage College
• Red Deer Polytechnic
• Red River College (RRC) Polytechnic
• SAIT
• Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
• St. Lawrence College
• Thompson Rivers University
• University College of the North
• University of Alberta
• University of British Columbia Okanagan
• University of Guelph
• University of Lethbridge
• University of the Fraser Valley
• University of Waterloo
Want to help close the national AI skills gap? Canadian post-secondary institutions can still submit an expression of interest to get involved. Learn more about Amii’s AI Workforce Readiness Program here.