In times of prosperity and of recession, Albertan employers require access to workers with the right skill sets. This report draws on a review of relevant literature, current data, and 40 interviews with industry stakeholders to examine the state of skills in seven key sectors of Alberta’s economy. It explores actions that employers are taking to invest in their current and future workforce and shares insights on the role that post-secondary education can play in ensuring key Alberta sectors have access to the skills they need to thrive.
Document Highlights
Albertan employers face a variety of challenges in recruiting and developing workers—from labour supply issues to concerns about skills, including the work-readiness of new graduates and the adaptability of current employees.
We heard from employers across seven of Alberta’s major industrial sectors who emphasized the need for a post-secondary education (PSE) system that was responsive to labour market needs and agile enough to keep up with evolving workplaces and technologies.
Employers in multiple sectors highlighted a growing need for soft skills (such as problem-solving, communication, intercultural competency, continuous learning, and resiliency), as well as multidisciplinary skill sets (often including technology skills).
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