Public Administration Industry

October 2008

The Public Administration industry employed about 80,100 Albertans in 2007. The industry is expected to grow by a yearly average of about 2.1 per cent, employing about 88,600 by 2012.

The Public Administration industry includes federal, provincial and local government services such as:

· defence services

· police, judicial, correctional and other protective services

· labour, employment and immigration services

· foreign affairs and international assistance

· fire-fighting services

· regulatory services.

Industry Outlook

Information adapted from the Public Administration Industry profile (September 2008)

According to Alberta’s Occupational Demand and Supply Outlook (2007-2017), the province may expect a supply shortage of managers in public administration every year between 2007 and 2017, which will become a challenge as more employees reach retirement age. The use of contractors to reduce costs and provide access to specialized expertise continues to be a growing trend in government services.

The Public Administration industry, like many other industries, will be impacted by an aging workforce and the competition of more lucrative opportunities. The industry faces many challenges in attracting and retaining talent in Alberta’s tight labour market. Sizeable salaries in other Alberta industries attract workers to the private sector. This creates challenges in the public service to retain high quality staff.

Amid the hot Alberta economy, many urban and rural communities now find themselves with a decreasing number of individuals applying to become fire-fighters due to alternative opportunities in the province.

Information adapted from Alberta Career and Industry Outlook (August 2008)

A shortage of public administration managers is expected through 2016.

Overall, a surplus is expected for firefighting and policing occupations.

Work in this industry

Alberta occupational profiles that describe various types of work in this industry are listed in OCCinfo's Search by Industry: Public Administration