What does Alberta’s workforce of the future look like, and how do we ensure there is opportunity for everyone to be part of it?
Goodwill Industries of Alberta is proud to be part of that conversation at the 2026 Talent Development Symposium, taking place November 18 in Edmonton. The event brings together leaders from Alberta’s business community, post-secondary institutions and government to explore talent development, workforce trends and opportunities to strengthen Alberta’s economy. [abchamber.ca]
Representing Goodwill will be Goodwill Cares Program Delivery Manager Kirsten Harrison and Vice President of Mission Impact Heather Hicks, who will share Goodwill’s perspective on the importance of creating a workforce where people of all abilities have the opportunity to contribute, succeed and experience the dignity that comes through meaningful employment.
The Talent Development Symposium, hosted by the Talent Development Task Force and co-chaired by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and Alberta Post-Secondary Network, is designed to help bridge the gap between Alberta's business community and post-secondary institutions. The symposium will examine topics including talent and productivity, future workforce trends, work-integrated learning, labour market systems and engaging opportunity populations. [abchamber.ca]
That last conversation is especially important to Goodwill.
Through Mission Impact programs such as Goodwill Cares, Goodwill works to create opportunities for Albertans with disabilities and barriers so they can strengthen their skills, build confidence and participate more fully in their communities and the workforce.
At the symposium, Kirsten Harrison and Heather Hicks will bring Goodwill's inclusive-employment perspective to the broader discussion about talent development in Alberta, helping shine a light on the potential that exists when employers broaden how they think about talent.
For Goodwill, inclusive employment isn't simply about filling positions. It's about recognizing the abilities, strengths and potential that every person can bring to the workplace.
As Alberta employers think about the workforce of tomorrow, conversations around attracting and developing talent provide an opportunity to think differently about who gets included in that talent pool.
Creating more inclusive workplaces can open doors for people who have historically faced barriers to employment while helping build communities where more Albertans have the opportunity to participate and contribute.
That's a conversation Goodwill is proud to help advance.
The Talent Development Symposium will connect leaders from business, post-secondary institutions and government through networking, presentations, panel discussions, showcases and breakout sessions. According to the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, discussions will include connecting K-12 education with the workforce, scaling work-integrated learning, enhancing labour-market systems and engaging opportunity populations. [abchamber.ca]
These conversations demonstrate why collaboration matters.
No single organization can create a truly inclusive labour market on its own. Employers, educators, community organizations and government all have a role to play in identifying barriers, creating opportunities and helping Albertans develop the skills and experience they need to succeed.
By having Kirsten Harrison and Heather Hicks participate in this provincial conversation, Goodwill can share the experience and perspective gained through its work supporting Albertans while learning alongside organizations that are helping shape the future of talent development across the province.
Every day, Goodwill sees what can happen when someone is given an opportunity to demonstrate what they can do.
Participation in events like the Talent Development Symposium helps bring that message beyond Goodwill and into broader conversations about Alberta's economic and workforce future.
Because building a stronger Alberta workforce isn't only about finding more talent.
It's about recognizing the talent that is already here and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute.
The 2026 Talent Development Symposium takes place November 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Edmonton. Registration is listed as closing November 5. [abchamber.ca]