How Get SET Can Help Close the Gap

Digital skills are no longer optional—they are essential.

Imagine life without your phone or your favourite apps? That feeling of panic when you can’t find your phone or your Wi-Fi goes down. What would daily life look like without email, texting, or online services? Can you imagine going back to a time without Google? Where do you get your news? How long has it been since you have had a paper map in your car? Have you ever filled out an online form?

From returning to school, to applying for jobs, completing workplace training to communicating with supervisors, accessing government services, to managing day-to-day life…digital tools are critical.

An estimated 84% of jobs in Canada now require basic computer and technical skills. (ABC Life Literacy Canada)
80% of businesses report a need for more workers with digital skills. (Future Skills Centre)

Not to mention AI:

Three in 10 employed Canadians are now using AI tools at work, yet almost half (44%) of those users have not received any formal training. (HR Reporter)

And yet, many adults don’t have the digital skills—or the confidence—they need to succeed.

Even those with skills in technology skills, may have a narrow scope. For example, many young people are skilled in using smartphones and apps but may not have the skills needed for success at work or school.

The Reality: A Growing Skills Gap

While technology continues to advance, not everyone has had the opportunity to keep pace with the changes. Many people face barriers to gaining these skills, including limited access to technology, or lack of training opportunities.

Only 30% of Canadians feel very prepared with workplace digital skills (ABC Life Literacy Canada)

For employment counsellors and employers, this shows up in real ways:

Clients who struggle to apply for jobs online
Employees who need to offer extra support when completing onboarding or training
Employers who worry about online safety
Workers who disengage because the digital demands feel overwhelming

Two Very Different Realities

One of the most powerful ways to understand the digital divide is to look at how it plays out in everyday life.

The infographic 2a “A Day in the Life with seamless internet access” and 2b.A Day in the life with limited internet access” clearly shows the barriers someone faces to success. “Adult Education: The Missing Piece to Bridging the Digital Divide”

On one side, there is someone who can:

Quickly download, sign, scan, and email documents
Access online services like renewing a driver’s licence or accessing government services online
Communicate easily through email, apps, and platforms
Participate fully in work, school, and daily life

On the other side, there is someone who:

Must travel to multiple locations just to complete a simple online task
Pays out of pocket to access computers or scanners
Avoids making calls or accessing services due to cost or lack of confidence
Spends hours completing what should be a quick task

This is not because of a lack of motivation—it’s about access to the technology, the skills, and support.

Why This Matters for Employers and Service Providers

Digital skill gaps don’t just affect individuals—they impact workplaces and systems.

For employers, this can mean:

Longer onboarding and training time
Increased reliance on coworkers for support
Lower productivity and confidence
Missed opportunities to promote from within

For employment services and community partners, it can mean:

Clients cycling through services without success
Training programs that are started but not completed
Individuals not working safely online
Individuals unable to search for work effectively
Unable to access financial supports and online services.

How Get SET Can Help

Get SET (Skills, Education and Training) programs are designed to address this challenge.

We provide foundational digital skills training in a supportive, adult learning environment, helping individuals build both skills and confidence.

Training is practical and tailored to real-life needs, including:

Using computers, tablets, and smartphones and AI tools
Navigating the internet safely
Applying for jobs online
Using email and participating in virtual meetings
Working with common workplace tools and platforms
Accessing online training and services

We support learners using a variety of methods including:

One-to-one support
Small group workshops
Short, targeted training
Flexible in-person, online, or hybrid options

It is safe to say that everyone needs digital skills to find and retain work, enter an apprenticeship, gain credentials or a diploma, enter college or just manage the demands of day-to-day life.

We believe that everyone must have access to foundational digital skills training, regardless of their current situation or future goals.

A Strong Referral Partner

Get SET programs work closely with Employment Services, employers, and community partners to ensure people get the support they need—before small challenges become barriers.

Consider referring someone who:

Struggles with online applications or forms
Needs help using email or digital tools
Feels unsure or anxious about technology
Is entering training that requires online learning
Has been out of school or work for some time
Would benefit from a skills refresh

Closing the Gap—Together

Digital skills and confidence are now part of participation—in work, in learning, and in everyday life.

By working together, we can ensure that more people have the tools and confidence they need to succeed.

Get SET programs are here to help.

Learn More

For more information about how Get SET can support Digital Literacy development reach out to your local Learning Ontario Network.

Additional Resources:

Adult Education: The Missing Piece to Bridging the Digital Divide

ABC Life Literacy – Facts and Statistics

Digital Skills and the Skills Gap