Labour market energized during economic recovery
Published on June 30, 2011
June 28, 2011, Medicine Hat Alberta…With the energy sector seeing a province-wide economic recovery in 2011, the Government of Alberta anticipates the creation of approximately 60,000 jobs this year and 66,000 in 2012; resulting in higher migration into Alberta and a greater demand for skilled labour.
The President of the Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors reported that 530 rigs were in operation during the first three months of the year, which was 100 more than originally forecasted; a number in which he believes could have been higher if industry had access to a qualified workforce.
Caroline Grover, Executive Director for the Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of Southeast Alberta states the importance for companies to be proactive and utilize the resources available to them. “To help in reducing the impact labour shortages might have, Alberta Job Corps (AJC) based in Medicine Hat is a great example of a program that local companies can use to offset the costs of training or accessing reliable employees.“
Through AJC, participants are hired by Alberta Employment and Immigration and are paid minimum wage plus employer contribution (if it applies); providing individuals an opportunity to be employed and earn an income while learning the skills required in the job market. Upon completion they also will be safety oriented to industry standards (First Aid, WHMIS, H2S Alive, etc.).
Other organizations such as the Community Employment Services and Medicine Hat College offer similar funding and/or training programs, some specific to specialized areas in the industry.
“One of the reasons we assisted in funding the Economic & Labour Market Research and Analysis (ELMRA) reports was so that employers could see industry trends and start preparing for them; in this case anticipating the shortage and finding local programs to lessens its impact.”
The EDA as well as Alberta Employment and Immigration, City of Medicine Hat, Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeastern Alberta and Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce make information on industry trends, such as labour statistics, available online through the ELMRA Reports. To view the studies visit www.edalliance.ca.
-30-