A workforce development project is underway in the region, which includes the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, MD of Greenview and area communities, that focuses on enhancing the attraction and retention efforts of local employers. The project aims to help jumpstart the engagement of new employees and their families into the community, supporting an early connection and encouraging them to set down roots and stay.

The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce is leading the project in collaboration with the City, County, Greenview, and Alberta Jobs, Economy and Northern Development.

Working closely with community organizations, partners will develop a quality of life asset bank – an inventory of community amenities, resources, supports and services across the region – tailored to the priorities of new employees and their families. The asset bank will equip businesses and community with a tool to help facilitate a smooth transition into the region by ensuring individuals have a strong awareness of community assets and ultimately a stronger sense of belonging early on.

Early next year, partners will also launch two surveys. The surveys will draw out deeper insights from the perceptions and experiences of both employers and new employees, narrowing in on the specifics about what is impacting employee decisions about moving to or living in the region. Findings will help focus actions to strengthen and evaluate local attraction and retention efforts.

The project builds on research showing that quality of life factors are playing a large role in influencing people’s decision to work and stay long-term in the region. Employer and employee insights along with information about the region’s quality of life assets will support marketing initiatives aimed at promoting the region as a great place to work and live.

Attraction and retention is an issue that employers in the region, and in communities across Canada, are grappling with. Earlier this year, project partners and Northwestern Polytechnic launched a Regional Workforce Development Strategy that sets out targeted actions to help attract, retain, train and sustain a strong talent pool to meet the long-term workforce needs in the region.

For more information about the Strategy and to keep updated on the attraction and retention project, visit grandeprairiechamber.com/labour-market-study.

Information provided by Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce