While the province continues to weather the economic crisis caused by low oil prices, there are some signs that it may be turning around.
While the Drumheller-Camrose region unemployment rate in December 2016, was still 7.6 percent, the rig count throughout Alberta continues to rise and the price of a barrel of oil is still over $50. This may be a signal that the tide is turning.
Marina Paarup of MH Enterprises has seen some positive signs.
“We are definitely seeing some more activity. It’s cautious, but there is definitely some movement in oil and gas and things are looking up a bit for sure.”
While on the exploration side, the movement is more cautious, she is seeing activity on the maintenance side.
“When things were on a decline there wasn’t as much maintenance going on and now there is a little catch-up going on with the equipment and the companies,” she said.
However, the market is still very competitive.
“There are good opportunities out there, they are just a little more challenging to uncover, but they are there. Three years ago you could enter the labour market at all sorts of levels, and there was more ease to it, now it is a bit more challenging,” she said.
To help people prepare to get back into the workforce, MH Enterprises has a couple of programs that are supportive. They are delivering the Transition to Employment Services Program, funded by Alberta Labour.
“It is open to all unemployed Albertans, it is a service that is a little bit longer in terms of support compared to what we have had in the last year,” she explains. “They can get employment preparation services, that include a resume and cover letter, skill development and life coaching in terms of dealing with soft skill issues.”
There are also funded programs for clients based on their need. They are able to fund short courses, such as First Aid, CPR, and H2S. These courses can be completed in two weeks, full-time, or six weeks part time. Previously, clients needed a job confirmation before they were able to take such courses, now they are able to do them in preparation.
“The competition is so intense, if you are coming to them fully skilled, you are not getting screened out. The government is being proactive and trying to help people improve their skill capacity,” she said.
Wendy Cuncannon of Wil-Can Safety Training says so far she has not seen too much change. Many of her clients are referrals from MH Enterprises, not necessarily those who have confirmed work.
“My husband is in oil and gas and he is seeing more pick-up and more guys going back to work, but he is not local, he’s working in Bonnyville,” she explains.
There are also funds available through the Transition to Employment program for employment related expenses, such as attaining a driver’s abstract or even safety gear.
“It is putting money in the hands of people that need it,” Paarup said. “It is supportive, it is effective, it is direct, in terms of what unemployed Albertans are needing, and it is helping them become more competitive in this tight labour market.”
She adds that not all communities have been awarded this program.
“We are very optimistic with what we are seeing. Some very good support from the Government of Alberta and the federal government putting new initiatives into the economy that are helping,” she said.