High Demand, High Pay: Why a Career in Electricity is Your Next Best Move
Canada is on the brink of an energy revolution, shifting the nation towards cleaner, sustainable energy. This transition opens up promising opportunities for young Canadians and those pursuing a new profession to build fulfilling careers and contribute to a brighter future. However, the sector faces a challenge: a growing shortage of skilled workers. Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC), a non-profit organization leading initiatives to address human resource needs of the Canadian electricity and renewable energy sector, reports significant job opportunities as 28,000 new workers are needed by 2028 to meet surging demand.
When we plug in our smart-phones and power our homes, we rarely think about the many jobs and significant infrastructure required to make this happen. Despite having a workforce of approximately 110,000, there’s a significant shortage of skilled workers in the industry. In fact, 83 per cent of companies reported difficulty finding qualified workers to fill vacancies, according to EHRC’s latest research.
"Canada has one of the cleanest grids in the world, requiring a wide range of skills to build and maintain our 21st-century power sources,” says Michelle Branigan, CEO of EHRC. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be part of clean energy for a healthy planet, to launch a career that inspires.” She highlights the industry’s appeal, in-demand roles, and EHRC’s commitment to sector growth.
Abundance of Opportunity
Fuelled by the demand for clean energy solutions, the electricity sector is growing rapidly. With a 12 per cent increase over the past five years, the industry offers stability and promising career prospects. Canada’s electricity demand is projected to double or triple within the next 12 to 15 years, according to Branigan, creating a surge of opportunities.
The sector boasts a wide range of roles with rewarding salaries, excellent benefits, work-life balance, mobility, and long-term stability. Branigan notes that power line workers, electrical engineers, nuclear professionals and emerging new roles like smart grid specialists, cyber security and information systems specialists, data analysts, and energy efficiency experts, among others, are in highest demand. There are also opportunities in business roles within finance, legal, accounting, marketing, and human resources. This wide range of available positions allows for continuous learning, growth and movement within the industry.
"A lot of young people nowadays don’t necessarily see themselves going into the same job for 20 or 30 years, so it’s a benefit that there’s both flexibility and stability in this industry,” she says. “The sector is well-positioned with well-paid jobs, and is also broad enough to provide an opportunity for growth and change.”
Building a Strong Workforce
On an urgent quest to build a strong workforce, EHRC is focused on attracting, recruiting, and developing the next generation of talent. They do this through outreach, apprenticeship programs and educational partnerships. EHRC has launched several initiatives including Empowering Futures, Destination Trade and Discovering Potential, which incentivize employers to provide students with valuable work opportunities. They also connect with students from elementary to post-secondary levels, educating them about the exciting opportunities within the Canadian electricity sector and dispelling common misconceptions.
One example is their latest partnership with Canadian Geographic to create a gymnasium-sized, interactive map showcasing Canada’s electricity system. This educational tool, designed for grades six to eight, is immensely popular and features information on transmission lines, generation types, and video career profiles within the sector.
By collaborating with colleges, universities, and school boards, EHRC also ensures curriculum meets evolving job market demands. They facilitate industry-academia partnerships to develop new programs and offer work-integrated learning opportunities.
A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Recognizing that a variety of perspectives enriches problem-solving and innovation, the industry is actively working to create opportunities for equity-deserving groups including women, Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized people, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ and newcomers to Canada.
Furthermore, the sector is dedicated to removing barriers for Canadian immigrants with foreign credentials. Through initiatives such as credential recognition, language support, and job placement assistance, the industry is helping newcomers contribute their valuable skills and expertise to the electricity sector.
A Rewarding Career Path
Beyond financial rewards, a career in the electricity sector offers a profound sense of purpose for those with a passion for our environment. The sector’s commitment to environmental sustainability resonates with many young professionals. By contributing to the development of clean energy solutions, individuals can make a tangible impact on climate change.
“The electricity sector powers communities throughout Canada—our schools, hospitals, hockey rinks, grocery stores, electric vehicles, mobile devices. They’re used by everyone, everywhere,” says Branigan. “It is so wonderful to be part of an industry that makes sure people have access to something they need every day, 365 days of the year. I think that’s incredibly enticing."
