Alberta makes progress on reducing labour shortages

Alberta faces a shortage of 96,000 workers by 2023 according to the most recent Alberta Occupational Demand and Supply Outlook, down from 114,000 workers by 2021 in the previous forecast.

Released every two years, the Outlook is one of the key indicators the new Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour will use to help build a skilled workforce capable of meeting our province’s labour demands.

“This forecast lays down a baseline for our new ministry. With this information, we can see what areas of our economy may face shortages and ensure we have a skilled workforce to help get our products to global markets for years to come. My team and I are ready to get to work.”

“This occupational outlook provides valuable, reliable labour market information for our professions. We have used this forecast to identify the need for post-secondary education for engineering professions.”

There are several reasons the forecast shortage is lower, including:

• High labour force participation rates. More people are working in Alberta than ever before thanks to our growing population.
• Alberta’s young population. More working-age Albertans means we will see a larger workforce and a smaller imbalance between labour supply and demand.
• Collaborative work between industry groups and the Alberta government to develop industry-led workforce strategies such as the Alberta Forest Products Association’s Work Wild program and the Wood Buffalo Retail Employer Network.

The Ministry of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour will continue to ensure Albertans have access to the opportunities Alberta’s labour market offers.

The Outlook uses current information to forecast shortages or surpluses in different occupations for the next 10 years. Examples of occupations forecast to face a shortage of greater than 2,000 workers by 2023 include:

• retail trade managers;
• physicians, dentists and veterinarians;
• heavy equipment operators;
• trades helpers and labourers; and,
• occupations in food and beverage service.

Other key projections include the three-year Short-Term Employment Forecast, and monthly and annual unemployment reports.