Jobs & Money Detail
Jobs market spotlight Alberta
What’s ‘hot’ in the Alberta jobs market – just about everything right now, writes Warren Green
Full-time employment grew by over 53,000 in Alberta in 2005, and all sectors are experiencing challenges filling labour shortages with qualified individuals at the moment.
A recent study from the BMO Financial Group forecasts that Alberta's unemployment rate will hover around 3.5 per cent until at least 2015. The study also indicates that in addition to Alberta offering the some of the best job prospects in Canada, the province will also see the largest increase in income.
The labour market shortage is leading to increases in hourly wage rates, almost double that of the national average. In February the rate was 6.1 per cent higher that for the same period in 2005. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business reports that in small to medium size business 5.4 per cent of all job vacancies went unfilled for at least four months compared to 3.2 per cent nationally.
Alberta, having achieved its status as the only debt-free province in Canada and now operating on a surplus, is expected to turn its attention to investing in health care, education and building infrastructure that will support its population growth. Record high oil prices and demand for Alberta's natural resources have had an effect on all sectors of the economy. As the population increases to support the booming economy in Alberta, the need for services and housing drives vacancies in skilled trades, healthcare, education, wholesale trade sector, retail, financial and administrative positions at all career levels. Currently, if you are qualified in a skilled trade such as a carpenter, plumber, electrician, welder, mechanic (heavy duty, agricultural or automotive service technician), pipe fitter, etcetera, your salary will range from between CDM$50,000 to CDN$70,000 depending on the trade, your level of experience and qualifications.
Earnings for employees in educational, administration or health care services and service sectors will range on average from CDN$49,000 to CDN$60,000 per year, while for those seeking part-time employment in areas such as retail and fast food, the starting rate is averaging around CDN$9–CDN$12 per hour.
The average length of the working week in Alberta is 40 hours. Hourly employees will be paid overtime rates for any hours worked beyond 40. Employers typically have benefit programmes that include medical, dental and disability insurance as well as company pension programmes. In Alberta, all full-time employees receive two weeks annual paid vacation.
For further information:
Alberta Immigration
Read another article about Alberta:
Calgary: A city of opportunity
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