Regional Collaboration required to diversity the economy and help businesses attract and retain skilled labour
Collaboration between businesses, economic development organizations, and post-secondary institutions is required to diversify the economy and attract and retain skilled labour. That is one of the key recommendations of a recent Workforce Development study commissioned by Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) and funded by Community Futures Central Alberta.
Based on a fall 2020 regional labour market review, the Workforce Development Strategy written by MNP outlines three strategies and corresponding actions to support business and strengthen the economy in Central Alberta.
Susan Mowbry MNP Consulting Partner says, “The labour market has changed and building a resilient workforce requires innovation in recruitment, retention and training. Collaboration among employers, post-secondary and government aimed at working together to leverage existing assets and identify opportunities is a promising pathway to growth in Central Alberta.”
The 33-page report, CAEP Workforce Development Strategy calls for increased collaboration, employer training, and utilization of government supports. Actions include forming a Human Resource Working Group, encouraging the development of micro-credentialing, training business in workforce planning, developing inclusive workplaces, and promoting the use of government training for employees.
CAEP Chair, James Carpenter says, “CAEP supports business and industry across central Alberta and thanks to generous funding from Community Futures Central Alberta we’ve been able to identify these strategies to support employers in attracting and retaining quality employees. CAEP values job creators and will build our support by partnering to execute on these strategies.”
CAEP Executive Director, Kimberley Worthington adds that a workshop series in the planning stages to better prepare job creators for the “new workforce”. Parts of these workshops could include tools and awareness on the importance of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the workplace. To stay informed about upcoming events and training subscribe for CAEP’s monthly e-newsletter CAEP Connections, here.
Kelly Kierluk, General Manager of Community Futures Central Alberta says, “We are proud to contribute to the work that CAEP and MNP have been doing through the Workforce Development Strategy project. The results of this report provide a comprehensive overview of Central Alberta’s current and future Labor Market needs and have provided useful data and tools in key areas of skills development, workforce diversity, and employer resources. These tools will provide businesses and key community stakeholders with the necessary resources to both attract and develop a skilled workforce to meet the needs of our region and promote the growth and prosperity of Central Alberta.”
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