Energy to Digital Growth Education and Upskilling Project

The Issue

The decline of Alberta’s oil and gas sector has displaced thousands of mid-career professionals, many of whom struggle to find comparable opportunities in other industries. Calgary Economic Development recognized the potential for these professionals to transition into the growing IT sector, leveraging their transferable skills. However, such transitions require targeted training, robust employer engagement and tailored support to address barriers such as skill gaps, wage disparities and confidence issues. EDGE UP 2.0 aimed to address these challenges through a structured, sector-based training model designed to bridge displaced professionals into in-demand digital roles. 

What We Investigated

This evaluation examines the program’s ability to meet recruitment and completion targets, deliver effective training and support participants in achieving sustainable employment outcomes. It explores participant satisfaction, employment rates and program implementation challenges. Using a combination of surveys, administrative data, and interviews with participants and partners, the study provides insights into the program’s strengths and areas for improvement. It also assesses the impact of contextual factors, such as fluctuations in the oil and gas and IT job markets, on program outcomes.

What We’re Learning

EDGE UP 2.0 succeeded in recruiting and training a diverse cohort of participants, 70% of whom were immigrants and 87% of whom held a bachelor’s degree or higher. The program’s completion rate of 84% demonstrates strong engagement, with participants reporting high satisfaction with technical training and workplace readiness components. Employment rates increased from 20% to 60% over nine months with many participants also experiencing significant gains in job satisfaction and annual earnings.

Capstone projects and internships provided valuable hands-on experience, but they also revealed gaps between the skills participants acquired in training and the competencies required for IT-specific roles. Only 32% secured IT-specific roles; with many citing mismatches between training and job opportunities. These insights highlight the need for stronger employer engagement in curriculum design to ensure training better reflects evolving industry demands.

Why It Matters

Programs like EDGE UP 2.0 are critical in addressing sectoral disruptions and workforce re-skilling needs, especially for mid-career professionals. By targeting oil and gas workers with transferable skills, EDGE UP 2.0 provides a model for leveraging local talent to meet the demands of a growing digital economy. However, its challenges underscore the importance of flexible, multi-sector strategies that can adapt to labor market shifts. Lessons from EDGE UP 2.0 can inform future workforce initiatives, ensuring they are better equipped to navigate economic volatility and support long-term career transitions.

State of Skills:
Better Labour Market Transitions for Mid-Career Workers

Supporting displaced mid-career workers requires a clear understanding of the barriers and difficulties they face, and it should also seek to build on highly valued skills developed through years of work and life experience.

Read Thematic Report