Request for Proposal

Request for Proposal (RFP) for Labour Market Feasibility Study

Submission Deadline:
Friday, December 5, 2025, 12:00 p.m. 

Momentum is a change-making organization that combines social and economic strategies to reduce poverty. Our mission is to work with people living on lower incomes and partners in our community to create a thriving local economy for all. 

Date Posted: November 14, 2025
Issued by: Momentum Community Economic Development Society
Learn more about Momentum here:

Project Overview

Momentum is seeking proposals from qualified research consultants or firms to conduct a Labour Market Feasibility Study that explores new, accessible training opportunities for Calgarians seeking to build sustainable livelihoods. This study will examine two focus areas:

1. Technology Sector – identifying inclusive, entry-level tech roles that lead to living-wage employment and career mobility.
2. Non-Tech / Non-Trades opportunities – uncovering occupational areas that could form the basis of a new Momentum training stream.

The goal is to identify viable training opportunities that meet three key selection criteria:

1. Mission alignment: Entry-level roles accessible to individuals living on lower incomes and facing barriers to employment.
2. Labour market demand: Clear, current and future employment demand for these roles.
3. Income potential: Jobs that pay near or above a living wage and would allow participants to sustainably repay their program tuition.

Project Background 

Momentum has a 30-year track record in skills training, entrepreneurship, and financial empowerment for individuals living on low incomes in Calgary. Since 1991, Momentum has delivered trades training programs for individuals seeking employment in living wage jobs.

In 2018, Momentum entered the tech training field. Through the TechPlus program ), and more recently, the IT Support Specialist Training Program ), Momentum has worked to respond to demand in Calgary for entry level talent in the IT sector.

We typically see a 70%+ employed in field rate within 90 days of program graduation, and our evaluation shows significant household income gains among individuals participating in these vocational training programs.  

With the tech-sector landscape constantly shifting, and with new funding to support continued labour market attachment programs, Momentum is now exploring its next phase of workforce development programming — identifying new high-impact training opportunities in both tech and non-tech areas that align with Calgary's evolving economy and Momentum's "Income First" strategy ).

Technology Sector

Calgary's technology sector continues to show strong potential for inclusive job creation. The city's tech workforce has grown by nearly 80% since 2018, making it one of North America's fastest-rising tech hubs. Alberta's broader digital economy contributes more than $13 billion in GDP, underscoring its role as a growth driver for the province.

At the same time, AI and automation are rapidly reshaping the industry, requiring ongoing adaptation in training and skills development. For Momentum, this evolution presents an opportunity to expand beyond its successful IT Support Specialist Program and introduce a complementary tech training stream focused on accessible, living-wage roles such as data analyst, digital marketing specialist, tech-enabled administrator, AI integrator, or website technician.

By building flexible programs that respond to both employer demand and emerging technologies, Momentum can equip Calgarians with the skills to succeed in an evolving, opportunity-rich sector.

Non-Tech / Non-Trades Sector(s)

Calgary's labour market is presenting strong opportunities in sectors beyond the tech and trades industries that Momentum has traditionally trained for. In particular, health care and human services continue to experience critical workforce shortages in roles such as community support workers and respite care assistants, among others.

Meanwhile, logistics and supply chain operations are expanding rapidly in Alberta, driven by e-commerce growth and transportation infrastructure developments.

These sectors are examples of areas for future consideration, as they offer accessible entry points—through short-term credentials—and lead to stable employment with wages that approach living-wage levels and have potential for career mobility.

Project Objectives:

The goal of this research project is to equip Momentum with the evidence needed to identify and select its next training pathway. The consultant's analysis will clarify which opportunities are feasible based on labour-market demand, alignment with Momentum's mission, and the availability of strong training and employer partners.

Consultant Responsibilities:

The consultant will be responsible for the following for the tech sector as well as non-trades/non-tech potential training streams.

1. Conduct a feasibility study and environmental scan:
   
   1. Identify key entry-level occupations that appear viable for Momentum's training model.
   2. Map career progression pathways, including typical wage growth and advancement.
   3. Assess the skills, competencies, and certifications required for entry into each occupation.
   4. Review the current training ecosystem (programs, providers, costs, length, and gaps).

1. Provide labour market projections for the most relevant occupations.

1. Identify potential training partners in Calgary, or beyond if necessary, that would be a good fit with Momentum:
2. Identify potential employer partners that would take participants for unpaid work experience placements and potentially willing to hire training graduates. Direct consultation with employers will be important to deepen insights into hiring needs and training expectations.
3. Make a recommendation of the top 3 tech-related, and top 3 non-tech, non-trades related training pathways for Momentum to consider (based on criteria stated above)

Momentum expects the consultant's work to demonstrate original analysis, professional judgment, and depth of insight that exceeds what could be produced through accessible AI or automated tools. The consultant's findings should integrate multiple data sources, sector interviews, and local context to deliver nuanced, evidence-based recommendations that are actionable for program and partnership development.

Project Deliverables, Budget and Timeframe:

• Project start date is Dec 15, 2025
• Provide a project charter in consultation with Momentum staff by January 9th, 2025 that will include the proposed research plan and communication plan with Momentum staff.
• Provide a draft report for consideration by Momentum staff by March 10, 2026
• Present a final report by Mar 27, 2026

Our current budget is approximately $30,000 including all fees and expenses.

Submission Requirements:

The applicant(s) will submit a cover letter stating an interest in the project and a brief proposal for this work assignment (2-5 pages) that must include the following information:

Approach:

• A brief description of the project approach, including a proposed work plan with a summary of tasks, methodologies, deliverables and a phased timeline reflecting the required deliverables.

Resources, Qualifications and References:

• Resumes for each individual who will be involved in the work, describing relevant qualifications, demonstrating experience in the area of economic and social science research, and demonstrating their ability to provide the services.
• Outline of previous experience and a sample list of past and current clients, including any relevant commentary on outcomes and impact of this work.
• Two references representing similar work done by the applicant over the last three years, specifying the organization(s) to which the services were delivered and a reference name for each organization.
• Company name (including GST number and incorporation number if applicable), and contact information (address, email, phone number, and website).
• Expected compensation and other estimated costs

Proposals must be submitted by Friday, December 5, 2025.