"And when there's only so many people to draw from, it becomes a challenge."

A 2024 outlook survey of Canadian employers by ManpowerGroup found that "persistent talent shortages continue to impede hiring efforts," with 80 per cent reporting they expect to have trouble finding skilled workers to fill openings this year.

Richard Yerema, executive editor at Canada's Top 100 Employers, says Alberta employers are not immune to these shortages.

"Alberta doesn't sit as an island. It's bringing people in for accounting, law, professional services as well in oil and gas. So, it has to pay attention to the same benefits that the big banks in downtown Toronto are offering, or the big accounting firms, to move people across the country," says Yerema.

For BluEarth, which has been named one of Alberta's Top Employers for the past six years, the solution has been two-fold.

"First, we have been going outside of our traditional approach and looking elsewhere," says Carter, pointing to recruiting efforts throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico for positions such as millwrights, electricians, instrumentation technologists and technicians.

"It's something we've considered doing, but we've always been able to find people within Alberta. This year, it was taking longer."

The second part involves pulling back the curtain on BluEarth's value proposition. The 150-person company is less affected by the volatility of commodity prices, with typical power purchase agreements usually 20 to 25 years in length. That creates job certainty, says Carter, which pairs nicely with other benefits such as apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities and leadership development programs.

"In addition, people want to be part of an organization where it has meaning. Transition or renewable energy is very attractive to a large population," says Carter.

At Graham Construction, which has been recognized as one of Alberta's Top Employers for the past 16 years, the company has similarly seen persistent skilled trades shortages in the province. The construction solutions partner is responding by looking around the globe for new talent.

CEO Andy Trewick says that's only part of the solution, though. As boomers retire, he says the focus needs to be on encouraging a new generation to take their place.

"We've got a very experienced workforce that is migrating out of the industry, yet many from this younger generation would rather be in the tech or service industry," he says, pointing additionally to competition from the province's booming film and entertainment sector.

"So, we're trying to create a differentiator; a service offering that other people obviously can't compete with. Something potential employees will find attractive."

Among other things, the employee- owned company has upped the ante on professional development through its in-house Builders Framework program, as well as tuition subsidies and a graduate program as a platform to develop future talent.

"Once you've been with us, we want to show you that there are opportunities to develop and grow through our organization," says Trewick, who has led the Calgary-headquartered company for the past nine years. "A lot of our people start at that grassroots level, but ultimately become senior managers."

Matthew Lindberg, dean of the School of Skilled Trades at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton, says there is some hope on the horizon. He points to the new Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act, which provides improved access to apprenticeship positions.

NAIT also offers an Accelerated Trade Entry program, introduced in 2022, that provides support to newcomers and under-represented Albertans interested in apprenticeship training.

And Lindberg points to new trades-based diploma programs at NAIT in plumbing, welding, automotive service and electrical installations technology that are providing learners with alternative pathways into a trades career.

"We've been working very collaboratively with industry partners to help make sure that they've got those resources and that skilled labor in place when they need it," says Lindberg.

These initiatives have helped NAIT secure its title as one of Alberta's Top Employers for the last 13 years. The polytechnic is also working hard to dispel misconceptions around the types of people who go into the trades. Lindberg highlights NAIT's annual Next in Trades free event series that encourages people from all backgrounds and abilities to explore careers in the skilled trades.

"It's about opening up opportunities and pathways for everyone, whether they are just getting started or progressing through their existing career," he says.

– Jamie Zachary

From the official magazine announcing Alberta's Top Employers (2024), co-published with the Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal on January 30, 2024. Used with permission.