Calgary boasts a deep and varied talent pool but prospective employers and workers often find themselves over their heads when it comes to filling positions or finding quick information about career
training and credentials.
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is wading into the issue over the next several months with a unique study of a perceived shortage in skilled labour that is hampering employers.
The chamber is now surveying chamber members in
various sectors – and is soliciting information from non-chamber businesses – to document what kind of information would help them better connect with potential workers.
“We know our economy suffers when jobs aren’t filled and when people who have skills cannot find jobs in their chosen field,” notes Chamber president Murray Sigler.
Once completed this fall, the chamber’s “Talent Pool Project” will offer a web site that will point workers and businesses to several local sources of training, education, and where to obtain necessary credentials.
“A system of training, educating and credentialing exists, it is just not described in an easily accessible place for employers in a rush to find people,” says project co-ordinator Julie Ball.
Ball says many employers need a way to make better connections with young workers just out of school, or new immigrants who have the necessary skills but simply lack the paperwork to gain employment in their areas of expertise.
“The first step is to examine the labour and skills shortage and better understand the non-traditional labour pool and those who are under and unemployed, so we can determine what gaps exist,” adds chamber member Andy Cichos, vice-president of external relations for Bow Valley College.
“We cannot hope to close any gaps until we identify what they are and how large they are.”
For more information about the Talent Pool, call 403-750-0439.