Collaborative applied research to address regional labour market challenges
The Red Deer District Chamber, Central Alberta First and Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) have joined forces to help the region’s businesses examine workforce gaps and identify innovative solutions through a new project titled Helping Central Alberta Businesses Prepare for the Future of Work.
This project, which is led by the Red Deer District Chamber and funded by a Labour Market Partnership (LMP) grant through the Government of Alberta along with CAF, will respond to persistent labour market challenges in central Alberta. This includes skills mismatches, demographic shifts and increasing impact from automation, digitalization and evolving work models.
“Central Alberta businesses are feeling labour market pressure every day, from skills gaps to the growing impact of automation and changing work models” says Amber Mack, Chief Operating Officer at the Red Deer District Chamber. “This project is a practical, employer-driven step forward. By partnering with Red Deer Polytechnic and Central Alberta First, we’re combining applied research with real business insight to help employers plan for what’s next, by turning regional challenges into actionable solutions for local employers.”
As these pressures continue, employers across trades, professional services, transportation and business administration sectors face ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled workers. The partnership aims to address these realities directly by aligning research, employer input and regional priorities.
“We are proud to collaborate on this forward-looking initiative that strengthens central Alberta’s economic resilience,” says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President, Applied Research, Red Deer Polytechnic. “By combining applied research with meaningful employer engagement, we’re helping businesses identify emerging skill needs and build a workforce equipped for the future. This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering evidence-based insights and practical tools that support employers in a rapidly evolving labour market.”
The initiative advances the work of the Business Retention, Expansion & Workforce Development (BREWD) work, expanding regional collaboration and enhancing evidence-based workforce planning, employer readiness and the capacity to adapt to future labour market conditions-based workforce planning.
“This project builds on the BREWD initiative and is one of eight priority actions moving forward in 2026 to strengthen Central Alberta’s economy,” shares Sandra Blyth, Chairperson, Central Alberta First. “By aligning research with employer needs, we’re helping businesses prepare for the future of work.”
As the applied research lead, Red Deer Polytechnic will conduct the labour market analysis, design and deliver research pilots and provide the technical and academic expertise that informs the project’s outcomes.
This project will feature several components, such as a regional labour market Needs Assessment to examine workforce gaps, emerging skills and innovation opportunities. Through applied research with local employers, practical workforce solutions (such as digital upskilling, hybrid work models and micro-credentialing) will be piloted.
An Employer Action Plan and practical toolkit will be developed to support workforce planning and technology adoption. There will also be ongoing employer and stakeholder engagement through consultations, focus groups and pilot participation. The findings will be shared through public presentations, policy briefs and a final report to support long-term workforce investment.
For more information about research and innovation at RDP, visit: rdpolytech.ca/research.
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About Red Deer District Chamber: The Red Deer District Chamber is a business advocacy association who is committed to creating value and prosperity for its members and building a vibrant community.
With more than 800 members, the collective voice on issues affecting business gets louder with every new member and allows the Chamber to promote local business interests. The Chamber also provides tailored value-added services, networking and educational events for its members.
About Central Alberta First: Central Alberta First (CAF) is a regional collaboration of business, communities, and provincial and federal agencies and governments who are committed to growing business in central Alberta.
Together, CAF and its partners are leading the charge in building a strong economic future by advancing the Next Generation Economy Initiative (NGEI). This exciting initiative is a three-year plan designed to foster business growth and development.
About Red Deer Polytechnic: Aligning more than 80 industry-relevant credit and non-credit programs, hands-on training and applied research, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) provides dynamic opportunities to approximately 10,500 credit, non-credit and apprenticeship students in diverse sectors. RDP creates opportunities that align with the aspirations of its learners and the needs of the region.
With four areas of focus, Advanced Manufacturing, Health Care and Health Technology, Energy Innovation and Social Innovation, RDP makes a positive impact contributing to Alberta’s economic and social priorities.
Red Deer Polytechnic’s campuses are located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another.
For more information, visit: rdpolytech.ca | LinkedIn | facebook | instagram
For media inquiries, contact:
Amber Mack
Chief Operating Officer
Red Deer District Chamber
Sandra Blyth
Chairperson
Central Alberta First
Brent Forster
Communications Strategist – Corporate
Red Deer Polytechnic
