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By Ian Gustafson

Workers in demand

Skilled trades industry is on the rise in Alberta, according to Energy Job Shop

Mar 5, 2026 | 4:14 PM

The part-owner of a company aimed at helping connect job seekers and employers in the skilled trades industry says workers are in high demand.

Co-founder of the Energy Job Shop, Andrew Forster, said that in past, technology-based jobs may have been the path to follow to earn the most money; however, things are changing.

“This is coming from someone who has their foot in the technology business… These positions are in such high demand, and these new infrastructure facilities that they’re building for AI data centres need millwrights, plumbers, and electricians,” he said.

“People who are in school may be wondering about where they should move for their next career. I think there’s going to be a big uptick in people going into skilled trades.”

At Energy Job Shop, he said they work with employers that are looking to promote or publish jobs, and it is completely free for job seekers to use.

Those looking for jobs in the skilled trades sign up to receive a weekly newsletter that highlights job opportunities. Each user indicates where they’re looking for work and the types of positions they desire.

Those who’ve signed up include 19,654 in Grande Prairie, 8,489 in Red Deer, 934 in Drayton Valley, 690 in Rocky Mountain House, and 569 in Medicine Hat.

Even though a lot of job opportunities in Alberta are dominated by the oil and gas industry, Forster said, the province has diversified.

“Some are those looking for no-experience type positions in those cities for various roles, and some already have certificates for experience in those industries,” he added.

When thinking of roles in skilled trades, many think of roles such as carpentry and plumbing, but Forster said there are a lot of adjacent categories, such as paramedics, project managers, and business analysts.

It could also be labourers, floor hands, welders, electricians, heavy equipment mechanics, operators, pipe fitters, cooks, construction workers, and truck drivers.

“Some positions are in higher demand and are maybe a little harder to fill. However, other roles they’re maybe looking for more experience. But, given the demand and the lack of people in the industry, they’re now having to offer rotational work, paid training, and different incentives to get someone who is more junior and move them up the ranks.”

He added that the employers they work with, they overwhelm them with the number of applicants because of the demand.

“The five spots we are seeing with the most activity right now are Alaska, Alberta, Texas, North Dakota, and New Mexico,” he said. “I think historically, people have moved out here for better opportunities and maybe moved into different roles. The pendulum starts to swing the other way.”

The organization recently launched its inaugural Energy Job Shop Skilled Trades Scholarship, a $1,000 annual scholarship that will go to students, people transitioning careers, and veterans entering trades in western Canada and Alberta.

Those hoping to apply for the scholarship can click here and have until the end of April.