Invest Vancouver is doubling down on workforce development with the launch of the Regional Talent Accelerator, a new training program designed to help local companies find—and retain—the skilled talent they need to stay competitive.

Backed by a $480,000 grant from the Future Skills Centre, the initiative will train 120 people in its pilot phase and support 60 employers across Metro Vancouver. It’s a timely move for the region, which is home to Canada’s third-largest economy and continues to compete with cities like Calgary, Ottawa, and Montreal for talent and investment.

“The Metro Vancouver region is globally recognized for its incredible talent and it is critical that we stay competitive,” said Linda Buchanan, chair of the Invest Vancouver Management Board. “The Regional Talent Accelerator will offer valuable upskilling opportunities for people, ensuring a workforce that’s ready for the future.”

What sets the program apart: it’s employer-informed and data-driven. Instead of offering generalized skills training, the initiative will target high-growth industries and tailor programming based on real-time labour market needs—identified in part by an employer panel. That includes using AI to build a flexible training platform that can match job seekers with the evolving demands of local companies.

“Our region’s biggest strength is our talented people,” added Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, chair of the Metro Vancouver Board. “By investing in our people, we can boost our reputation, create better opportunities, and attract more global companies and high-quality jobs.”

“This investment reflects our commitment to building an agile and inclusive labour market,” said Noel Baldwin, executive director of the Future Skills Centre. “It will help connect businesses, including SMEs, with the skilled talent they need to grow and adapt.”

The Regional Talent Accelerator is part of a broader push to strengthen Metro Vancouver’s economic resiliency by aligning training and reskilling with employer demand. It aims to foster a sustainable pipeline of local talent—an increasingly vital resource in today’s uncertain economic climate.

Why it matters: In a tech sector increasingly shaped by global shifts and AI disruption, locally rooted, responsive talent development could be the competitive edge that keeps Metro Vancouver ahead.