July 19, 2022, Ottawa, ON – EHRC (Electricity Human Resources Canada) is launching a nation-wide initiative to accelerate the Canadian labour market integration of highly skilled newcomers to Canada. The project titled Welcoming Highly Skilled Newcomers into the Electricity Sector, will provide ongoing support through language, workplace, and professional skills training, and then offer subsidized work placement opportunities in the sector. It is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program.
The goal is to increase awareness of career opportunities in the electricity sector while simultaneously supporting employers to attract, recruit and retain these skilled employees. “It’s a win-win,” says Michelle Branigan, CEO of EHRC. “These newcomers bring excellent skills to Canada and are looking for employment. Meanwhile the electricity sector is facing a critical labour shortage and offers a wide variety of opportunities for stable and meaningful work.”
“Canada’s workforce needs more skilled workers in the electricity industry, as we chart a path to net-zero. When newcomers with expertise and skills arrive in our country, we want more of them to enter skilled occupations in this sector and to understand the exciting, well-paying opportunities that they present.” Commented Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough. “Through EHRC’s program, newcomers can seize these opportunities quickly, and with the benefit of job readiness.”
According to Statistics Canada census data, 74.9% of Canada’s population growth in 2020/21 was driven by immigration. The electricity sector at last count was facing a retirement rate of 1.5x the national average. New entrants to the electricity workforce are needed today to meet workforce replacement needs and growth requirements as the sector expands to meet long-term carbon emission reduction targets. Once delivered, the Welcoming Highly Skilled Newcomers program will see skilled professionals enter the sector through paid work placements.
About EHRC
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.
Media Contact
Karen Tremblay
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Electricity Human Resources Canada
613-235-5540 ext. 242
[email protected]