Alberta’s Industrial Heartland — consisting of Edmonton, Sturgeon County, Lamont County, Strathcona County, and Fort Saskatchewan — is poised for unprecedented growth. As one of Canada’s premier locations for industrial development, the region is entering an exciting phase of expansion that will bring enormous opportunities for businesses, workers, and communities alike.
Hiring Surge
According to the Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association, the region is expected to generate more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs in the coming years. This surge is driven by a wave of new projects and investments, reinforcing the Heartland’s position as a key economic engine for Alberta and Canada.
However, with growth comes challenges. Qualimet Inc. projects that nearly 27,700 additional workers will need to be recruited and trained to meet the demands of both project expansions and natural workforce changes. Retirements and career transitions are creating significant vacancies that must be filled quickly to maintain project momentum and capitalize on new opportunities.
The labour outlook across Alberta reflects this trend. According to the Government of Alberta’s Occupational Outlook 2021–2030, the province is expected to see:
- 32,000 job postings due to expansion demand
- 71,900 job postings from replacement demand
In-Demand Industries
This points to a broader workforce challenge that is not limited to heavy industry alone. In particular, labour shortages are forecasted in several critical areas, including:
- Construction trades and engineering occupations tied to major construction projects
- Computer programmers and information systems analysts as industries modernize and digitize
- Health occupations across various education levels, particularly in nursing
- Educators in both primary schools and colleges to support a growing and diversifying population
For individuals looking to pivot into new careers or upgrade their skills, there has never been a better time to enter Alberta’s skilled trades and in-demand sectors.
Launching Your Career
MCG Careers is stepping up to the plate, offering a fantastic no-cost, government-funded training program in Edmonton. This program is specifically designed to help workers transition into industries where they are needed most, equipping participants with the skills, certifications, and career supports necessary to succeed.
SkillBuild: Skill-Based Training and Employment Support for Careers in Construction
- No-cost/government-funded
- 15-week program
- PPE provided to qualifying participants
- Essential tools and work clothing provided to qualifying participants
- Targets construction-related industries
- 2-week work placement with employers actively hiring
- Hands-on learning with Alberta Construction Training Institute
- Job search/retention support
Whether you’re a young person starting out, an experienced worker seeking a career change, or someone impacted by recent economic shifts, opportunities abound in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. With the right training and a willingness to grow, you can be part of one of the most dynamic and impactful economic transformations in Alberta’s history.
Alberta’s Industrial Heartland is not just building projects — it’s building futures.
Photo: MCG Careers’ expert staff presents at the Alberta Industrial Heartland Career Forum 2025 in January.
Photo Credit: Vyktorya Beson
References
Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association. Where energy meets innovation.
https://industrialheartland.com/
Government of Alberta. (2023, July 10). Alberta’s occupational outlook, 2021–2030 (Revised ed.). Jobs, Economy and Trade.
https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/8987e228-9ffa-4a2e-9f79-a9b869df2ccb/resource/8331ba6e-d402-49e9-9f5e-52dfd0906da8/download/jet-albertas-occupational-outlook-2021-2030-revised.pdf
Qualimet. (2024, December 10). Addressing the training gap in Alberta’s construction industry.
https://qualimet.ca/2024/12/10/addressing-the-training-gap-in-albertas-co