The Drumheller area is once again leading the province in employment according to the most recent statistics from the Government of Canada.
In the month of July, the Drumheller-Camrose economic region, which extends east to the Saskatchewan border, had an unemployment rate of 3.7 per cent, the second lowest in Alberta. The lowest was Grande Prairie-Athabasca-Peace River with 3.3 per cent.
The Drumheller-Camrose economic region is booming and has the second lowest unemployment rate in the province as of July at 3.7 per cent. However, such a low rate creates challenges for employers, who are having trouble filling vacancies. Alberta Works suggests employers create a positive work environment to attract and retain staff.
“The most current unemployment figures, as of July, are at 3.7 per cent, which is the second lowest in the province, but over the past year, we’ve had the lowest rate most of the time. The province was at (an unemployment rate of) 4.5,” said Rob Lunman, business and industry lead with Alberta Works.
The low unemployment market has left the area brimming with employment opportunities.
“There are a lot of opportunities in our area. There’s agriculture, labour positions, oil and gas servicing, and really just jobs of all kinds. Even after the tourist season, there are always positions available. There are jobs across the whole gamut, from entry-level jobs to professional positions, and from unskilled labour to trades. There are opportunities across the board,” said Lunman.
However, the low rate creates challenges. Most positions cannot be filled, especially when considering the population drain faced by rural areas.
“Communities are struggling to find people to fill jobs. As businesses and companies grow, I don’t know if the population is necessarily growing along with it,” said Lunman.
In addition, employers are being hard pressed to fill positions, with some remaining vacant for months. Lunman suggested employers take a look at how they attempt to hire new employees.
“The market has changed, so you have to sell that position and your business. With such a low unemployment rate, people have so many choices. Many of the people you might want to come work for you, probably already work somewhere else. If you’re going to try to attract people to your business, you have to let them know the benefits,” said Lunman.
“Another key is to keep the staff you currently have. If you can keep them happy and working for you, then it reduces your need to go out and find new staff. If you try to make a positive work environment, not only will it make your existing staff happy, then it will be easier to find new staff when you need to.”
