Partly because of technology advances, the trend is moving away from stable, long-term jobs to a world where work is transient and frequently done away from a central office. That from author and economist Linda Nazareth, who is one of the guest speakers at a conference in Regina today (Thurs) hosted by Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The theme of the THINK conference is the future of work, innovation and learning. Nazareth says, “The reality is that we are not just on the brink of huge changes, we are already in the midst of them”.

Sask Polytech President and CEO, Dr. Larry Rosia, says they wanted to hold this conference to get people thinking about the ever-evolving technology advances and the changing nature of work and how we can adapt, so no one or no business is left behind. Getting everyone in the same room to begin the conversation about developing strategies to prepare for the future is the intent of the THINK conference.

Dr. Rosia says Sask Polytech tries to keep up through its industry advisory committees, which each program in its curriculum has, to make sure the teachings are current. There are about 700 industry experts that meet regularly with the post-secondary institution, with about 10 to 15 in each committee.