FUSION (Future Skills Innovation Network) is a national collaboration among Canadian universities committed to helping students build the transferable skills they need to thrive in learning, work, and life. The network was created to address gaps in traditional education by promoting inclusive, accessible, and flexible skill development across post-secondary institutions.
Our Purpose
Many essential skills - like communication, collaboration, time and priority management - are part of a hidden curriculum. Post-secondary students are expected to develop and use these skills, but often they are not explicitly taught. FUSION makes them visible and teachable, helping all students - especially those from equity-deserving groups - gain access to the tools they need to succeed.
What We Offer
FUSION's skill development modules are designed to integrate seamlessly into academic courses and applied learning contexts such as co-ops, internships, and other experiential learning programs. These modules are:
- Flexible and versatile, adaptable to a wide range of disciplines, class sizes, and student levels - from undergraduate to graduate
- Aligned with Canada's Skills for Success framework, ensuring relevance to both academic and workforce contexts
- Open educational resources, available under a Creative Commons license for easy use, adaptation, and sharing across institutions
- Supported by an online implementation toolkit, hosted by the University of Calgary, to help instructors and staff embed the modules effectively into their teaching and programming
- Designed to promote reflection, skill articulation, and real-world application, helping students connect their learning to personal, academic, and career goals
Our Approach
FUSION is built on collaboration, evidence-informed design, and a commitment to equity. The network consults with academic institutions, industry partners, and subject-matter experts to ensure the curriculum is relevant, inclusive, and adaptable to evolving workforce needs.
Our Impact
Students who engage with FUSION report:
- Increased confidence in identifying and applying their skills
- Stronger connections between academic experiences and career goals
- Greater engagement and self-awareness through reflective learning
Educators consistently share that FUSION helps them focus on their subject expertise while enhancing student learning. By blending domain knowledge with skill development, educators help students build the confidence and capabilities they need to succeed in academic, professional, and personal settings.
