AI Upskilling

We are the AI Upskilling Program at Skills for Change.

We work to democratize AI literacy and economic opportunity by supporting people who are often left out of technology education — including newcomers, refugees, racialized communities, women, and people who are unemployed or underemployed.

Since launching in June 2025, our program has become Skills for Change’s largest and fastest‑growing initiative, reaching over 1200 learners across Canada.

A majority of our participants are: Women Newcomers to Canada Job seekers or people earning under $50K annually. We believe AI should empower people, not exclude them.
Our approach is human‑centred, practical, and community‑driven  and volunteers play a critical role in making that possible.

We help people build confidence and practical skills to use AI in their work, job search, and daily lives.

Our program offers:

• Foundational AI literacy (what AI is, how it works, and how it affects jobs and society)
• Hands‑on practice using real tools like ChatGPT and other low‑cost or free AI platforms
• Applied learning focused on real‑world tasks such as productivity, communication, job searching, and career transitions
• Ethics and responsible AI to help learners use technology thoughtfully and safely

We deliver learning through multiple pathways — from self‑paced online learning to facilitated cohorts, workshops, and bootcamps — so people with different schedules, confidence levels, and learning styles can participate.

How Volunteers Contribute

Volunteers and mentors help us:

• Support learners during workshops, cohorts, and bootcamps
• Share real‑world perspectives on how AI is used in different jobs and industries
• Coach participants through hands‑on exercises and small group activities
• Provide encouragement, clarity, and practical feedback — especially for learners who may feel intimidated by technology

Volunteer roles are time‑bound and well‑scoped, often ranging from 3–6 hours per engagement, with clear expectations and support from our program team. By volunteering, you’re not just supporting a program — you’re helping build a more inclusive, AI‑ready workforce in Canada.