Welding student practices skills in the new Trades, Technologies and Innovation facility. (Photo courtesy Lethbridge College)

By Justin Goulet

Study finds areas of growth for southwestern Alberta’s economy

Dec 15, 2020 | 10:21 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The final results of the Southwest Alberta Regional Skills Study have been released.

The study was organized by eight community partners and received funding from the partner organizations, as well as both provincial and federal governments. It took in feedback from employers and job seekers across the region to get a better understanding of the area’s labour market strengths, challenges and the skills needed to ensure a strong and vibrant economy going forward.

The following groups worked together on the study:

• SouthGrow Regional Initiative
• Lethbridge College
• Economic Development Lethbridge
• Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance
• Community Futures Alberta Southwest
• Lethbridge Family Services
• Town of Taber
• Vulcan County

The report highlights opportunities for local municipalities, businesses, economic development organizations and post-secondary institutes to work together on skills and labour market development.

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“We are part of a unique economic ecosystem, and this study confirms we play a key role in training the employees that support our local job market,” said Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College’s president and CEO.

“This is achieved through both our traditional programming and through our increased focus on working with local industry to develop up-skilling, re-skilling and micro-credential programs that meet the immediate needs of industry. We will continue to increase our work-integrated learning opportunities that support our local economy.”

A strong labour force was identified as the top consideration for businesses looking to invest in the region. The study found that southwestern Alberta is set to need more than 8,000 new workers over the next five years. The largest increases were found in health care, arts, entertainment, recreation and educational services, while service workers, general laborers and skilled trades workers are the most in-demand occupations.

“Labour supply has topped the list for site selectors for the past three years,” said Jim Willett, Chairperson, SouthGrow Regional Economic Development.

“SouthGrow is proud to work with our partners to proactively address changes to our labour market so that Southern Alberta can continue to stay competitive in a rapidly changing world.”

The full study and its results can be viewed through Lethbridge College’s website.