If you're looking for work in the local area, things are a lot more positive than the days when Alberta's unemployment rate reached nine percent in the fall of 2016.

That's according to Senior Manager Carrie Axten of Rocky View Employment Services who says she's seen a marked turnaround in employment opportunities lately.

"We are starting to see things turn around.  What we're seeing is more full-time positions.  During the downturn, you were seeing a lot of companies offering part-time or contract work.  We're seeing a lot more full-time work becoming available."

Axten says that three job sectors are leading the way in the improvement.  "Some of the top areas that we're seeing are construction and labour positions, retail and administrative positions are sort of the top three right now."

The unemployment rate in Alberta fell four-tenths of a percent in March to 6.3 percent.  Alberta has been on a downward trend since the unemployment rate hit a peak of nine percent in fall of 2016.  Alberta is still half a percent behind the Canadian unemployment rate which sits at 5.8 percent.  

Next week, Rocky View Employment Services will host Alberta Career Week events from April 23rd - 27th.  Career Week showcases services that are accessible through Alberta support centres, community partners, and online resources. 

Axten says the events of Alberta Career Week are meant for anyone who is looking for work.

"People who are unemployed, marginally employed, looking for alternate opportunities.  If they're looking for a job or starting to explore career options it's great to attend some of the events in their local area,"

Events range from Work Search Strategies to Job Preparation, to Volunteering.  Bow Valley College, Rocky View Schools and the Airdrie Public Library are just some of the community partners who'll put on sessions during the week.

You can find more information on Alberta Career Week here.

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