The Chang School and CILAR launch AI Powered Futures program to upskill Canada's retail workforce

On Tuesday, September 16, The Chang School and CILAR announced officially launched the AI Powered Futures program at Google Canada’s head office. The event brought together an impressive group of leaders, including Mayor Olivia Chow, TMU Provost and Vice-President Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, Dean Linda Koechli, and President Mohamed Lachemi. Joined by key players in tech, retail, and education, they celebrated the launch of a transformative new initiative made possible through funding from the Walmart Foundation.

Courses will be hosted on Disco, beginning with Google’s AI Essentials course before advancing to employer-recognized AI skills-focused Curv microcredentials from The Chang School at TMU.

In addition to technical training, participants will gain access to mentorship, professional networking, and career development opportunities—opening doors to better job prospects and higher earning potential. From supply chain roles to digital merchandising, the program empowers workers with in-demand AI skills, helping them stay competitive and thrive in the evolving retail landscape.

By focusing on building diverse talent pipelines, AI Powered Futures is not just a training program—it’s a movement toward a more inclusive, future-ready workforce.