Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the information and communications technology (ICT) sector in Canada, driving significant changes in job roles and in-demand skills. As AI tools automate routine tasks and reshape workflows, there is an urgent need to equip the ICT workforce with the right skills and knowledge to thrive in this evolving landscape.
A new report from the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) explores the impact of AI on ICT occupations, highlighting how automation is affecting junior roles while increasing demand for experienced professionals with complex technical and leadership skills. The report also provides career advice for ICT students navigating this rapid shift as they begin their careers.
Key findings include:
- AI is transforming ICT roles, with junior positions most affected. Task-level automation—particularly in coding, data analysis, and IT support—is shifting the nature of ICT work. These changes are most evident in junior roles, while demand grows for senior professionals who can manage complex tasks and oversight responsibilities.
- AI adoption is outpacing organizational preparedness. Although AI tools are widely used in the ICT sector, many organizations lack formal policies, training, and risk management strategies. This gap creates challenges around security, privacy, and quality assurance.
- Students can adapt by learning technical skills that are difficult to automate and investing in their interpersonal competencies. Employers emphasize that, to be competitive in the rapidly evolving job market, students and new graduates need to have strong technical fundamentals, invest in their understanding of AI tools and best practices, learn technical skills that are difficult to automate, build strong interpersonal competencies, and consider specializing in an industry or domain.
ICTC’s new report, Automation and the Future of Tech Careers in Canada: What Students Need to Know, highlights that while AI is already reshaping ICT jobs, collaboration between employers, educators, and policymakers is essential to ensure Canada’s ICT workforce remains competitive. Preparing junior talent with relevant skills and real-world AI experience will be critical to supporting innovation and economic growth in the digital age.
Read the Full Report
Automation and the Future of Tech Careers in Canada: What Students Need to Know
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program.
About ICTC
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a neutral, not-for-profit national center of expertise with the mission of strengthening Canada's digital advantage in the global economy. For over 30 years, ICTC has delivered forward-looking research, practical policy advice, and capacity-building solutions for individuals and businesses. The organization’s goal is to ensure that technology is utilized to drive economic growth and innovation, and that Canada's workforce remains competitive on a global scale. Visit https://ictc-ctic.ca/.
