Electricity Industry is dynamic and evolving – innovation in technology is sparking new skills
Ottawa, ONTARIO, August 1, 2018 — The Canadian electricity industry is evolving rapidly. Smart grids, renewable generation, automation, carbon capture and storage, and electric vehicles have the potential to transform the system. Technological innovation will also impact the skills and occupations which will be required to support the electrical grid of the 21st century.
Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) is pleased to announce funding for a new project that will explore the transformational impact of technology, digitalization and innovation on the changing nature of work in the sector. The labour market data gathered during the research will examine current occupations or job functions facing change or requiring re-skilling or up-skilling, as well as entirely emerging occupations that will require specialized skills. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’ Sectoral Initiative Program.
The project will also focus on the collection of specific labour market data of women within leadership occupations and positions in the sector in order to inform evidence-based policymaking, HR strategy and programming for greater integration of women in these roles. In the electricity sector women still represent only a quarter of the workforce despite best efforts to tap into, develop, advance and retain this cohort. Having access to sex-disaggregated employment data will enable a better understanding of trends as well as propose policies and interventions for promoting employment equity and gender equality.
“When Canadians know that they’ll have the tools they need to embrace the challenges and opportunities that innovation and new technology bring, we can create the kind of sustained long-term economic growth that works for everyone. That is why the Government of Canada is taking concrete steps to build a highly skilled and resilient workforce. Canada’s changing economy makes harnessing the changing nature of work critical to our future. Our government has focused on helping workers to gain valuable work experience and the skills they will need to be successful in their careers.” – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
“The accelerated pace of change in our sector, including advancements in technology and innovation will also have a huge impact on our workforce. We need to anticipate what those impacts will be so employers, employees and job seekers alike can respond to the changing structure of the sector and future job opportunities,” said Michelle Branigan, CEO, EHRC. “It will also enable us to support the greater participation and advancement of women into technical and leadership roles within the sector. This project supports the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiative program’s goal to address current and future skills shortages by supporting the development and distribution of sector-specific labour market information.
About Electricity Human Resources Canada
Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) is Canada’s most trusted source of objective human resources information and tools to help the Canadian electricity industry match workforce supply and
demand. EHRC is a not-for-profit organization helping to keep the lights on in Canada by enabling a world-class workforce for the entire electricity industry. EHRC helps to build a better workforce by strengthening the ability of the Canadian electricity industry to meet current and future needs for a highly skilled, safety-focused, diverse and productive workforce. For more information, visit www.ElectricityHR.ca.
Contacts:
Michelle Branigan
Electricity Human Resources Canada
(613) 235-5540; ext. 235
[email protected]
Or
Media Relations:
David Finkelstein
The DFI Group
(416) 300-4150
[email protected]