WESTLOCK – As baby boomers hit retirement age, Westlock County is taking proactive measures to ensure a steady and skilled workforce by tapping into local talent.
County Chief Administrative Officer Tony Kulbisky said the county wants to encourage area youth to pursue careers with the municipality.
“We’re trying to make it so that before we start looking outside our region for workers, we build capacity within our own community and region.”
This involves working in part with Pembina Hills School Division and other agencies in the area to make youth, as early as junior high, aware of the potential of working for a municipality.
Kulbisky, during the county's budget discussions in December, also suggested the county host a trade show that showcases each department so youth can, for example, ask what it takes to be a water treatment operator or a gravel operator.
The importance of a local workforce goes beyond municipal operations, said Kulbisky. It’s also critical for attracting new businesses to the region.
“One of the big drivers in economic development is making sure we have the work force. That’s the one thing big companies coming to our area will be looking for; not only is it land cost and servicing of land, they also look at what is the work force for the region. If there’s nobody here to work they won’t come here.”
Kulbisky said that over the next three to five years retirements are expected.
According to Statistics Canada, the last wave of baby boomers are expected to hit retirement age in 2030.
