Canada’s STEM Crunch – Why the Future Needs Builders, Coders, and Creators

Canada is entering an era of unprecedented opportunity — and unprecedented challenge — in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). From clean energy to artificial intelligence, automation to biotechnology, the future is being written in code and constructed in CAD. But there’s one critical piece missing: people.

By 2025, over 200,000 STEM jobs will need to be filled across Canada. In Ontario alone, projections show that 233,000 new STEM roles will open by 2030 – That works out to over 100,000 jobs per year that need to be filled just to keep up with demand.

The problem? The number of graduates simply isn’t keeping pace. Despite huge growth in STEM enrollments, there are still tens of thousands of qualified students who can’t find a spot in a post-secondary STEM program. And for those who do graduate, it’s a race to meet the accelerating demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

Industries from finance to healthcare to manufacturing are becoming more tech-intensive, and retiring engineers, technicians, and tradespeople are leaving behind big shoes to fill. Canada’s future prosperity hinges on one thing: a new generation of STEM talent that’s ready to take the reins.

So how do we make sure that happens?

That’s where programs like Burlington Community Robotics (BCR) come in. Our organization is built on a simple but powerful idea — give students early, hands-on experience in engineering, coding, and design, and they’ll be ready for the challenges of tomorrow long before they hit post-secondary.

Through our participation in FIRST Robotics, students don’t just learn theory — they apply it. They design robots, write code, solve real problems, and work in high-performing teams under tight deadlines. They get the kind of practical, project-based experience that mirrors today’s tech and engineering workplaces.

And most importantly, they fall in love with STEM. Over 80% of FIRST alumni pursue STEM careers — a staggering number that’s reshaping the talent pipeline across Canada.

The future needs builders. It needs coders. It needs creators.

At BCR, we’re proud to be helping grow them — right here in Burlington.