Alberta is still experiencing critical shortages of skilled tradespeople. By 2020, most Baby Boomers will be in retirement and, as a result, Canada could be short about 1,000,000 workers. A skilled trade worker shortage will affect our ability to complete in the global market, in turn affecting our economic growth over the long term.

In 2009, CAREERS: The Next Generation brought careers to life for more than 41,000 young Albertans through classroom workshops and focus groups. We linked 1,452 students with 923 employers who helped them explore careers through internship positions.

CAREERS continues to support the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), which allows high school students to take their apprenticeship training while completing their secondary education.

CAREERS is expanding its reach within industrial technologies in different areas of the province. They include:

• the Production Field Operator Program in northern and south eastern Alberta; and
• the CAREERS Power Engineering Program in Pilot locations in Northern and Central Alberta

CAREERS continues to work with industry-focused employers to ensure that specific needs and opportunities in all trades and technology sectors are communicated to youth.