Why Investing in Local Labor Is Key to Long-Term Workforce Stability in Oil Sands, Construction, and Public Sector Projects.
Alberta is experiencing a critical skilled trades shortage. From electricians and welders to crane operators and heavy-duty mechanics, demand is outpacing supply—especially in remote, project-based environments like Fort McMurray.
At Fort McMurray Labor Source, we see the solution not just in sourcing talent—but in developing it locally.
The Skills Gap by the Numbers
| Key Metric | Projection |
|---|---|
| Skilled Tradespeople Needed by 2030 | Over 45,000 |
| Retirements Accounting for Trade Vacancies | Over 65% |
| Regions with Most Acute Shortages | Wood Buffalo and the Oil Sands corridor |
Our Dual Approach: Source Strategically, Develop Locally
To help project-based employers stay productive, we offer a twofold solution:
| Immediate Staffing of Trade-Ready Workers | Partnerships to Build the Next Generation of Skilled Labor |
|---|---|
| We maintain a network of ticketed, experienced tradespeople ready to mobilize on short notice for critical project roles. | We actively collaborate with:
|
Why Local Development Matters
| Benefit of Local Development |
|---|
| Reduced turnover and better retention in remote areas |
| Improved community relations and local economic uplift |
| Increased availability of labor for long-term project pipelines |
| Helps employers meet social procurement goals and DEI mandates |
Trades We Help Bridge the Gap For
| Trade Category |
|---|
| Electricians & Instrumentation Techs |
| Millwrights & Industrial Mechanics |
| Scaffolders, Carpenters, and Welders |
| HVAC & Steamfitters |
| Civil Equipment Operators |
| Powerline Technicians |
Proven Impact: A Public Infrastructure Win
One public sector client faced delays due to a lack of millwrights. By sourcing journeypersons from our regional pool and pairing them with new apprentices from a local Indigenous pre-trades program, the project was back on track—and built local capacity in the process.
Let’s Build Alberta’s Skilled Workforce Together
Fort McMurray Labor Source is more than a staffing firm—we’re a partner in future-proofing Alberta’s economy. Whether you need tradespeople now or want to invest in tomorrow’s workforce, we’re ready to help.