By Chris Brown

Developing the workforce

Brooks Region looking for specific skills in workers

Jul 30, 2020 | 11:00 AM

BROOKS, AB – A report commissioned by the Brooks Region has given the group an eight-point strategy to develop the area’s workforce.

“Findings from the strategy suggest there is a reasonable supply of labour in the Brooks Region,” says Jessica Surgenor, economic development officer for the Brooks Region. “However, the main challenge lies in finding specific skills and experience required by employers to fill positions.”

The ability to attract and retain specialty skills, such as Class 1 drivers, were of particular note in the report.

The report also highlighted the importance of a trained, active and engaged labour force so current businesses can grow and new industries can be attracted and built.

Among the strategies put forward by the report are exposing young people to the opportunities that exist in the region, continuing to promote entrepreneurship and working with employers to help improve work culture, capacity and competitiveness.

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Elan Buan, project consultant with Schollie Research and Consulting, performed the study and created eight strategies.

The project partners involved included Grasslands School Division, Medicine Hat College, Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Entre-Corp and Alberta Labour & Immigration.

You can read the full Brooks Region Workforce Development Strategy on the Brooks Region website.