Oilpatch layoffs could mean future skilled worker shortage in Alberta, experts warn

Industry experts are warning that energy industry layoffs combined with Baby Boomer retirements will lead to shortages of skilled workers when Alberta’s economy starts to rebound.

“One really simple fact that remains relevant is — notwithstanding this current economic moment in time — our country and certainly our province continues to face a looming labour shortage and a talent gap. That story is not being told right now because it’s not very palatable right now if you will,” said Randy Upright, chief executive of Manpower’s Alberta region.

“Our demographics — and I’m specifically referring to the Baby Boomer bubble — most certainly mean that our future economy is going to be impacted. If you look at the slowing economies in Europe, in Japan, in China, a lot of it has to do with talent. And at this moment in time there’s big questions about what are we doing to be prepared,” Upright said. Read More…

Oilpatch layoffs could mean future skilled worker shortage in Alberta, experts warn