Empowering Futures program creates new opportunities for students and strengthens Canada’s electricity workforce.
Ottawa, ON – Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) is proud to announce an investment of $3.5 million from the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) to expand its Empowering Futures program. This funding will create paid work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for post-secondary students in the electricity sector, giving them hands-on experience and helping employers build Canada’s skilled clean energy workforce.
Over the next year, this investment will enable 566 students to access paid work experience in their field of study, through a collaborative program delivery model between the Government of Canada, EHRC, Canadian businesses and post-secondary institutions. These WIL placements not only bridge the gap between classroom learning and workforce needs but also fuel innovation and growth across one of our most critical sectors.
“Canada’s economic future—and the reliability of our electricity grid—depends on our ability to develop and deploy highly skilled talent,” said Michelle Branigan, CEO, EHRC. “The Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program is one of the most effective tools we have to ensure students gain the experience and industry connections they need to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. Through our WIL programs, EHRC is proud to help employers build the next generation of professionals who will power our electricity grid.”
“Young Canadians are the future and we need their skills and experience to contribute to building Canada,” said The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Agency of Northern Ontario. “That’s why the Government of Canada is helping to provide them with work-related opportunities in sectors like the electricity sector—so they can put their best foot forward and feel confident when entering the workforce.”
Since 2018, EHRC’s Empowering Futures program has facilitated more than 3,500 student placements and delivered over $18.8 million in federal funding for workforce development. While these investments benefit the electricity sector, their impact is especially significant for small and medium enterprises—key drivers of innovation, sustainability and job creation in Canada’s low-carbon economy.
EHRC is one of 18 workforce development organizations receiving funding through the SWPP, announced yesterday in Ottawa by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.
EHRC will host a virtual Funding Forum on April 22, 2026, to help employers learn more about Empowering Futures and other available funding programs.
To learn more about Empowering Futures, visit ehrc.ca/empowering-futures.
About EHRC
Electricity Human Resources Canada is the national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the Canadian electricity sector has a safety-focused, highly skilled and inclusive workforce. EHRC works with employers, labour, educators and governments to develop solutions to workforce challenges and promote career opportunities in electricity and renewable energy. To learn more, visit ehrc.ca.
Contact
Ryan Baan (he/him)
Marketing and Communications Manager
EHRC
[email protected]
613-235-5540, ext. 255