Around 33 per cent of employers across the region are having trouble filling positions.

That’s according to a labour study by Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism.

Over 240 surveys were conducted with employers who represent around 48 per cent of the current workforce.

When asked about recruiting, around one-third said they continue to have problems.

This includes finding local skilled workers and individuals to work non-skilled positions.

According to the study, the hardest jobs to fill are cooks, construction trades helpers and labourers, light duty cleaners, food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and crane operators.

There are around 3,100 positions unfilled that the 245 employers are currently offering.

The study also highlights a voluntary turnover rate of over four per cent.

Around 28 per cent of employers note they’ve had employees leave on their own accord over the past year.

The highest turnover rate has been for petroleum, gas and chemical process operators, security guards, heavy equipment operators, other professional engineers, and truck drivers.

“Understanding labour patterns and trends is essential to remaining competitive in an economy and labour market with changing demographics, training demands and technological advances,” said Kevin Weidlich, President and CEO of FMWBEDT.

“The labour market conditions identified are a reflection of this point in time, as market conditions evolve, the report’s strategies and priorities may shift.”

The study also highlighted potential ways to help fill positions with local talent.

This includes bringing awareness to the issue, continue work attracting and retaining families, more local training opportunities, and more.