‘Workforce’ can be generally thought of as those people currently working, or looking for work. Often it’s discussed in relation to a certain sector (e.g., the skilled trades workforce) or geographic area (e.g., Columbia Basin-Boundary workforce). A skilled and engaged workforce is critical to the success of the economy. Forecasts from the Kootenay Regional Workforce Table indicate 4,700 new jobs in the Kootenay Development Region by 2020, as well as 18,000 vacancies as a result of retiring workers.