Overview
We conducted a Training Needs Assessment to identify occupations where increased local access to training could help address skill gaps.
What Happening?
The Town of Canmore continues to face persistent labour market challenges that impact the stability and growth of its business community. While many of these pressures, such as housing, are not unique to Canmore, employers have also identified challenges in finding and retaining staff with the technical and soft skills needed for long‑term business success. These skill‑related gaps affect everything from recruitment to day‑to‑day operations. These challenges have led businesses to reduce operating hours, adjust working hours, and limit services to retain staff and sustain operations.
To help address these issues, in 2024 the Town of Canmore developed a Labour Market Recruitment and Retention Strategy. One of the strategy recommendations was to better understand local training and skills gaps, so targeted training solutions can be developed in response.
The Training Needs Assessment will provide an evidence-based analysis of the current and emerging skills gaps in Canmore’s labour market, map these gaps to existing training opportunities, and make actionable recommendations for training program development, adaptation or creation.
Public Engagement Opportunities
To inform the Training Needs Assessment, the Town engaged employers, employees, residents, local businesses, industry associations, and training providers through online surveys, interviews, and in-person engagement sessions conducted between February and March 2026.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped inform the Training Needs Assessment.
What We Heard
Representatives from 20 industry associations, training providers, and local businesses were interviewed to determine where increased local access to training could help address workforce skill gaps. The interviews also explored the feasibility of delivering this training, taking into account anticipated demand and operational requirements. Alongside the interviews, total of 238 people responded to the training needs assessment surveys, including 120 employers and 118 residents.
Findings from interviews, employer and resident surveys, and secondary research are summarized in this report.
Get Informed
Read the 2024 Labour Market Recruitment and Retention Strategy.
Questions?
Please contact our Economic Development Department by emailing economicdevelopment@canmore.ca
This project was strengthened through the generous support and partnership of the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership, Bow Valley Adult Learning Centre, Job Resource Centre, and the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce. We are grateful for their shared dedication to our community.
Overview
We conducted a Training Needs Assessment to identify occupations where increased local access to training could help address skill gaps.
What Happening?
The Town of Canmore continues to face persistent labour market challenges that impact the stability and growth of its business community. While many of these pressures, such as housing, are not unique to Canmore, employers have also identified challenges in finding and retaining staff with the technical and soft skills needed for long‑term business success. These skill‑related gaps affect everything from recruitment to day‑to‑day operations. These challenges have led businesses to reduce operating hours, adjust working hours, and limit services to retain staff and sustain operations.
To help address these issues, in 2024 the Town of Canmore developed a Labour Market Recruitment and Retention Strategy. One of the strategy recommendations was to better understand local training and skills gaps, so targeted training solutions can be developed in response.
The Training Needs Assessment will provide an evidence-based analysis of the current and emerging skills gaps in Canmore’s labour market, map these gaps to existing training opportunities, and make actionable recommendations for training program development, adaptation or creation.
Public Engagement Opportunities
To inform the Training Needs Assessment, the Town engaged employers, employees, residents, local businesses, industry associations, and training providers through online surveys, interviews, and in-person engagement sessions conducted between February and March 2026.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped inform the Training Needs Assessment.
What We Heard
Representatives from 20 industry associations, training providers, and local businesses were interviewed to determine where increased local access to training could help address workforce skill gaps. The interviews also explored the feasibility of delivering this training, taking into account anticipated demand and operational requirements. Alongside the interviews, total of 238 people responded to the training needs assessment surveys, including 120 employers and 118 residents.
Findings from interviews, employer and resident surveys, and secondary research are summarized in this report.
Get Informed
Read the 2024 Labour Market Recruitment and Retention Strategy.
Questions?
Please contact our Economic Development Department by emailing economicdevelopment@canmore.ca
This project was strengthened through the generous support and partnership of the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership, Bow Valley Adult Learning Centre, Job Resource Centre, and the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce. We are grateful for their shared dedication to our community.
