Workforce Management

Calgary has one of the lowest unemployment levels in Canada, world-class education and opportunities across hundreds of careers and industries.

Training & education

There are a number of training and education opportunities available to employers, employees and students.

Post-secondary education

Calgary’s post-secondary educational landscape is alive with variety and possibilities.

Its institutions offer diverse experiences such as distance learning, travel study, practicum, internships and apprenticeships in addition to learning in an academic setting. Programs cater to international students and those interested in lifelong learning, as well as students fresh from secondary school.

Calgary has seven major universities and colleges, offering a variety of world-class programs:

  • The Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD) is the only degree-granting college of art and design in the prairie provinces, and one of only four such schools across Canada. Its 1,300 students pursue studio-based four-year bachelor degrees in fine arts or design in 11 disciplines ranging from Visual Communication Design to Glass, and its doors are open to over 2,500 extended studies students from across Calgary every year.
  • Ambrose University College offers professional ministry degrees (both undergraduate and seminary). In addition, Ambrose’s 600-plus students can pursue Bachelors of Arts, Education, Music and Science.
  • Bow Valley College (BVC) is a comprehensive community college, offering diploma and certificate courses in health care, administration and more to roughly 13,000 students. The college’s mandate includes customizing programs for special populations with unique learning needs, including new Canadians.
  • Mount Royal University (MRU) offers various degree, diploma and certificate programs with small class sizes – the average class has only 28 students. MRU’s 14,000 credit students study business, the arts, education and child well-being, science, and non-profit studies. Another 24,000 extension students attend non-credit courses.
  • SAIT Polytechnic offers skill-oriented education to more than 70,000 registrants each year, with credentials ranging from apprenticeships to baccalaureate degrees. Students choose from programs in eight schools, including construction, health and public safety, business, engineering and hospitality.
  • St. Mary’s University College offers Bachelor degrees in English, General Studies, History, and Psychology or two-year programs in business management or biological sciences. Class sizes for St. Mary’s 700 students are small, and the college emphasizes academic, personal and spiritual development.
  • The University of Calgary serves over 30,000 undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students in diverse areas, from business to veterinary medicine. The university has achieved international renown for research in the areas of biomedical engineering, energy and environment, and public policy.

Continuing education

Many of Calgary’s post-secondary institutions also offer continuing education programs for students looking to upgrade or obtain a new qualification.

Career Connect - training for employers & immigrants

Calgary Economic Development, along with the Talent Pool Development Society and Alberta Human Services, offers Career Connect, an online tool for immigrants and employers to find job training support and resources in Calgary.

Job Seekers

Finding a job in a new country can be difficult at first. Career Connect is here to help you find the resources you need to overcome the challenges you may face. Find programs to help you upgrade or transfer skills, relaunch a career or enter a brand new profession. You will find a complete listing of job training courses and general resources available in Calgary.

Employers

With proper training or upgrading, combined with an understanding of the expectations of Canadian employers, immigrants can play a key role in your workforce. You will find a complete listing of local organizations who are working to assist and train newcomers, and find the right people to fill your employment needs.

Visit Career Connect now.

Additional training & resources

Alberta Works

The goal of Alberta Works is to help unemployed people find and keep jobs, help low-income Albertans cover their basic costs of living, and help employers meet their need for skilled workers.