Workforce Development

Edmonton Workforce Connection was formed in 2006 to address regional labour shortages by assisting employers in attracting and retaining employees. In 2008, Edmonton Workforce Connection was renamed Workforce Development to emphasize its role in supporting industry with useful information for regional employers and workers.

EEDC's Workforce Development program continues to strategically implement practical initiatives in conjunction with industry and all levels of government, to optimize the regional labour pool. These initiatives focus on labour attraction, labour retention, developing a high performance workforce and informing employers and employees about emerging labour force issues and strategies, human resources best practices, market opportunities, and program supports.

The shortage of skilled workers is unquestionably one of the most important challenges faced by the Edmonton industry. Moreover, demographic forecasts indicate that today's acute skills shortages will only become worse without strategic initiatives to grow our workforce through immigration and increased participation rates from under-employed segments of society. Increased productivity and innovation within organizations are also part of the long-term solution.

Workforce Development activities, services and products fall within four core functions:

1. Inform

Workforce Development assists industry by: investigating and researching needs and trends; providing enhanced information, tools and supports to better assist employers in addressing their labour needs; and facilitating information sharing. Please see Moving to Edmonton.

2. Attract

Assist employers in attracting the highly skilled workforce required for Edmonton's future by working with partners to demonstrate job and business opportunities in the Edmonton area and to position the Edmonton Region as a "Destination of Choice". If you are considering moving to Edmonton, please see Living in Edmonton. This section of the website provides information on programs and services needed to live in Edmonton and in Alberta.

3. Retain

Works with community agencies, employers, and other partners to retain skilled workers in the Edmonton Region.

4. Develop

Assists employers to create a high-performance workforce and work environment. Works with education, training providers and industry to reduce barriers to employment.

For more information about Workforce Development, please contact:

Brenda Nylund
Program Manager, EWC
780.424.9191
1.800.661.6965
bnylund@edmonton.com