Work NW Alberta
Work NW Alberta
Community Collaboration Award
Work Northwest Alberta (WNWAP) was initiated as a collaborative effort among communities that recognized the critical need for a talented workforce in our region. By integrating the principles of “work, live, play” the project aims to connect job seekers with employment opportunities while promoting the region as an ideal place to reside and thrive. Its platform facilitates economic growth, supports local businesses, and enhances community well-being.
With job opportunities within a 300 km radius of Grande Prairie including Grande Cache, Valleyview, and Fox Creek. We’re preparing to unveil 4,280 fresh job opportunities within the next five years alone, and that’s just the beginning. By 2028, our region is set to boast a staggering 72,193 jobs, showcasing an impressive 6% growth trajectory. Great job potential unlocks great financial success. Just look at our median household income: a hefty $120,000, surpassing Alberta’s average of $96,000 in 2020. We’re not just raising the bar; we’re setting new standards for prosperity.
The project is meeting its objectives by addressing the identified need for skilled workers and promoting a balanced lifestyle where individuals can live and play in vibrant communities. It will significantly reduce unemployment rates, foster job satisfaction, and contribute to regional economic stability through strategic workforce development initiatives. Additionally, the website has enhanced collaboration between partners by streamlining communication and providing a central platform for sharing resources and updates, thus ensuring an effective and cohesive approach to achieving our objectives.
Throughout its implementation, Work NorthWest Alberta has addressed challenges such as aligning job market demands with skill sets, adapting to technological advancements, and ensuring inclusivity across diverse demographics. A notable challenge was the process of building the platform with our partners. While it required considerable effort and coordination, this process ultimately brought the partners closer together, fostering a stronger, more unified approach to our shared goals. Changes made include continuous platform improvements, expanding outreach efforts to underrepresented groups, and fostering partnerships supporting employment and community development. Together we developed a new sustainable process that engaged our communities to achieve our shared goal.
The platform caters to a diverse demographic range including young professionals, families seeking work-life balance, retirees exploring new opportunities, and individuals from various cultural backgrounds. By offering tailored resources and promoting the region’s lifestyle benefits, it attracts and retains a skilled workforce while enhancing community diversity and cohesion. We have also actively engaged with employers to identify their recruitment needs and have created customized packages designed to meet the specific needs of employees, further aligning workforce capabilities with market demands.
The Work NW Alberta Partnership (WNWAP) is led and funded by the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, and the Municipal District of Greenview in collaboration with the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce and Northwestern Polytechnic. The funding partners will contribute over $200,000 a year, along with additional support from NRED grant funding. Together with business and community, we aim to cultivate a skilled and diverse labor force across the region.
Work NorthWest Alberta represents a paradigm of effective innovation and community collaboration. Its impact on regional economic growth and commitment to sustainability makes it a deserving candidate for recognition. We are proud to submit this project for consideration in celebrating its contributions to the prosperity of Alberta’s Northwest region and beyond.
