RESEARCH INTO THE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN'S OIL AND GAS WORKFORCE

The government of Saskatchewan is taking steps to reduce worker shortages and plan for future workforce development in the province's oil and gas industry. Advanced Education and Employment Minister Pat Atkinson today announced $50,000 in research funding to address the challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled workers.

"The oil and gas sector provides a huge economic benefit for Saskatchewan, as our largest industry and greatest contributor to Saskatchewan's Gross Domestic Product," Atkinson said. "The development of a human resource strategy will help ensure that Saskatchewan companies have a skilled workforce now and in the future."

Saskatchewan is Canada's second largest crude oil producer contributing 18 per cent of total domestic production. Approximately 24,000 person years of direct and indirect employment are associated with the upstream petroleum industry with 300 companies operating in-province.

Saskatchewan Advanced Education and Employment and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada will provide funding to the Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada (Petroleum HR Council). The Council will conduct the research necessary to identify key human resource issues as well as current and future workforce development needs. Saskatchewan's contribution will be through the JobStart/Future Skills Sector Partnership program.

"This study will help our members quantify existing and emerging employment opportunities along with the related skills and training required," Executive Director and CEO of the Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada Cheryl Knight said. "It will also help them to work with other stakeholders in the attraction, retention and training of employees."

In addition to identifying the industry's needs, research will be conducted into the barriers to employment faced in the recruitment and retention process.

The project is expected to take four months to complete and will be overseen by the Petroleum HR Council with a project manager located in Saskatchewan.

The Petroleum HR Council is a national not for profit organization with an industry-driven focus. The council is dedicated to workforce development for the upstream petroleum industry in Canada by building an integrated national strategy for industry workforce development and increasing the available skilled workforce. More information on the Council is available on its website at www.petrohrsc.ca

Saskatchewan Advanced Education and Employment provides leadership and support for post-secondary education and training institutions and students, immigration and Canada-Saskatchewan Career and Employment Services. The department's work advances the province's social and economic priorities by facilitating high-quality education and training programs and connecting people with careers in the province of Saskatchewan.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Terry White Advanced Education and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-7791

Cheryl Knight Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada Calgary Phone: (403) 537-1230