2. What Are Future Skills?

What are Future Skills and Why do they Matter?

Our world is changing fast. We don’t know what the jobs of the future will be, but what we do know is that a foundation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) will help prepare youth for any career path they choose to pursue. This is the key objective to the work we do at Actua. This is why your role as an instructor is so important!

Actua’s Future Skills Project seeks to capture the skill development and career readiness needs of the 1,000 instructors that Actua network members hire annually. This is a multi-faceted project, that includes a multilevel research project, a new High School Internship and Leadership program, and the advancement of the Instructor training program - which this module is a part of. Actua’s Future Skills Project has been made possible through the support of industry partners such as RBC Foundation through RBC Future Launch.

The following RBC videos will help frame the purpose of this module, and the other training components that instructors can receive in the on-boarding process for their positions.

RBC Video: Humans Wanted


Minds On: Thinking about your career goals and future dreams demonstrates Self-Awareness. Making plans and taking steps to achieve your goals shows a high level of Initiative. Here, you are already strengthening your future skills! What other ways do you know you are being self-aware, or taking initiative?

Did You Know: RBC created an online tool to help young people begin exploring career paths? Check out the RBC Upskill website to try out the tool. 

About the Future Skills Project

Actua’s Future Skills Project seeks to capture the skill development and career readiness needs of the 1,000 instructors that Actua network members hire annually. This is a multi-faceted project, that includes a multilevel research project, a new High School Internship and Leadership program, and the advancement of the Instructor training program - which this module is a part of. Actua’s Future Skills Project has been made possible through the support of industry partners such as RBC Foundation through RBC Future Launch.


Activity One

In your Future Skills Awareness Workbook printout, or in a personal notebook consider and record your answers for the following activity.

1. Brainstorm a list of skills you think you may develop as a STEM Program Camp/Club Instructor

2. Choose two of the skills you listed and consider three other professions this skill would be essential for. 

(e.g. Skill: Organization. Professions: Agile Coach, Classroom Teacher, Bookkeeper)


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