Career Development
EHRC has the resources to help you build connections and skills that can fast-track your career.
Mentorship
Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) is not a recruiting firm, but we are experts in Canada’s electricity workforce. We are eager to help you find your pathway to a rewarding career.
Over 100,000 people work in Canada’s electricity sector!
Some work in generation, transmission, and distribution, and others work in energy efficiency, smart systems, manufacturing, and all levels of the supply chain. There are many streams into these careers: everyone from self-taught contractors in emerging fields to infrastructure engineers can find an opportunity in the industry.
To make the most of this diverse community Electricity Human Resources Canada created MentorJunction, a free, national tool that can help build mentorships in the electricity sector. Supporting programs and resources help you get the most out of your mentorship.
Students Resources & Education
If you’re looking for a career with a positive impact on people’s lives and the environment, with work available immediately after graduation, with job security, good wages, and the potential for innovation—then consider the electricity and renewables sector.
How to Get Started
If you’d like to explore career opportunities in the electricity sector, you may be asking what you can do to work towards securing your first job. A great way to prepare yourself with the skills and information you need for the job market is to participate in work-integrated learning (WIL) placements, mentorship programs, brush up on your professional skills and keep up with industry events.
Work-Integrated Learning
Work-integrated learning (WIL) refers to co-op placements, internships, and field placements, amongst a variety of opportunities. WIL programs offer the chance to earn while you learn. Participants get the chance to practice the skills they learned in the classroom, develop professional skills in the workplace, and make connections with employers in the sector.
EHRC’s Empowering Futures program provides a wage subsidy to companies creating WIL placements for students. If you’ve already graduated, you may be eligible for a Discovering Potential internship or training opportunity, which provides termed placements in the electricity and renewable energy sector for youth under 30.
Wondering where to find these opportunities? If your program has a co-op component, start with your school’s co-op office to see what existing relationships they have with electricity and renewable energy companies. EHRC’s job board is also a great resource; sign up to find postings from across the country in one easy location.
Professional Skills Training
While technical and specialized knowledge is foundational for career success in electricity, employers are also looking for candidates who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in professional skills. Professional skills include active listening, social perceptiveness, and collaboration. Take time to take stock of your professional skills while job searching with EHRC’s resources for developing and applying professional skills.
Industry Events
From time to time, EHRC hosts youth-oriented events. In fall 2020, we teamed up with the Energy Council of Canada to host a virtual discussion to learn about the many career paths the sector offers. Watch the recorded event to hear from both senior and early-career professionals in a range of energy careers. Watch the recorded event, Jumpstart Your Career in Electricity now.
Supporting Job Seekers
If you’re looking for a career with a positive impact on people’s lives and the environment; with work readily available; with job security, good wages, and the potential for innovation—consider the electricity and renewables sector.
What Careers Are There in the Electricity Sector?
According to EHRC’s 2017 to 2022 Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) Report, employment in the sector is anticipated to grow by 2%, which translates to over 20,500 new employees needed in that time.
From design to construction to engineering, there are a wide variety of jobs across the sector to fit your skills and interests! Explore a selection of career options below to learn more about each one.
Mentorship Programs
Mentorship provides insider knowledge and useful career tips from industry professionals. Mentors may not offer you a job, but they can help with the job application process and may be willing to act as a reference. EHRC helps potential mentees connect with mentors using the Mentor Junction platform.
Wage Subsidy Programs
Wage subsidy programs create work opportunities, especially within small businesses, that might otherwise be unavailable. EHRC offers a host of funding programs through the Funding for Futures platform to support employers in hiring youth, students, newcomers to Canada and even workers from other sectors of the economy. If you are considering entering this innovative sub-sector then you should make your future employer aware of this funding.
Organizational Events
Organizational events, such as hiring calls or job fairs, are opportunities to familiarize yourself with what options are available in the sector, and the expectations employers have for potential hires. You can find these on company websites and social media. For news on events EHRC is attending, sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.