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Website
works for
employees,
employers
Gillian Slade
gslade@medicinehatnews.com
NEWS PHOTO IAN SORENSEN

Shortly into the new year, a workforce information
A unique workforce information website was launched on Jan. 21, to provide a one-
website was launched to bring employers and employees
together in the Palliser region. The rapid growth
stop venue for employers and employees in the Palliser region.
of business in Alberta identified the need for the
The rapid growth of business in Alberta, when employers were scrambling to find creation of www.workforcealberta.ca. The website
staff, identified the need for a program to address the issue of attracting workers and
contains information on how to find employment with
assisting employers.
connections to local businesses to details on particular
occupations and community profiles.
Over the past two and a half years, extensive research and development has led to
the creation of the website www.workforcealberta.ca for which Alberta Employment

and Immigration provided funding, assistance and guidance.
"Our Workforce Development Web-Portal has four aims – to inform, attract,
develop and retain," said Louise Holmes, economic development project manager
for Palliser Economic Partnership.
There is information on how to find work with connections to the websites of local
businesses, details on particular occupations someone may choose as a vocation
and community profiles within Palliser region.
Each community contributed to the "Easy Move Tool Kit" with details about living
and working there along with employment opportunities and who to contact.
"They will continue to update that information to make it current and relevant," said
Elvira Smid, manager for Palliser Economic Partnership.
Employers are guided to untapped labour sources, suggestions for networking and
can find wage comparisons.
Employees can find information to facilitate in making education choices with
details about careers that are in demand, salary surveys and initiatives to help in
their search for employment.
To attract people to this region the site includes practical advice on the process of
hiring foreign workers, the development of training programs and companies share
what has worked for them in retaining workers.
"We are holding two-hour training sessions on how to use the website so that users
get maximum benefit from it," explained Holmes.
While the economy and consequently workforce requirements have changed, the
202, 46 Carry Drive SE
web portal is still seen as a helpful tool.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1B 4E1
"We still have an underutilized workforce particularly for the disabled, older workers
40261584•03/24/09
Phone (403) 526-7555
and women in trades," said Smid.
The site will be monitored and updated based on trends. Palliser will continue to
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encourage business growth, community investment and marketing.
Dental Benefits Accepted Mon.– Fri. 8:00am - 5:00pm
Personalized Payment & Insurance Options Sat. 8:00am - 2:00pm
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