Our collective success is very much tied to the talented people who choose to work and live in this great region. Over the last 60 years, the Heartland has evolved to become Canada’s largest hydrocarbon processing hub and the surrounding communities have continued to flourish.
“This is a location of choice for industry leaders because of the proximity to Alberta’s signature resources and the array of skilled professionals in the area,” explains NCIA Executive Director Dr. Laurie Danielson. “We are literally surrounded with opportunity.”
Industry in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland enjoys the benefits of hiring local talent from the over 1.2 million people living in the Edmonton region. And recognizing the value of nurturing the next generation of employees, NCIA companies have also continued to invest and give back to local communities.
“Our members understand the importance of working closely with educational institutions to develop and train a skilled workforce for the future,” adds Danielson. “We very much see the apprenticeship opportunities, scholarships, and equipment donations as win-win.”
NCIA members also partner with and support organizations that develop women and Indigenous people with skills in trades. “Programs like Women Building Futures are invaluable to local industry,” says Danielson. “This not-for-profit organization has developed enduring connections with NCIA members and continues to help grow the workforce in the Capital Region.”
While access to enthusiastic local talent is beneficial to companies, it is also quite advantageous to the region as a whole. Some companies also selectively recruit top talent internationally for temporary postings to help foster Alberta’s leadership talent. In addition to the combined NCIA member company payroll of $790 million, the region provides $98 million each year via employee provincial tax revenues.
“On first glance the opportunity is clear, but when you take a deeper look you see all the other benefits that are rippling out into the local economy,” notes Danielson. “It’s not only the more than 7,900 people employed by our member companies – it’s the 28,000 indirect jobs that stem from our operations in these great communities.”