Canada’s Electricity and Renewable Energy Sector, Careers with a Purpose

Electricity powers everything we do everywhere in Canada – our schools, hospitals, hockey rinks, grocery stores, electric vehicles and mobile devices in all communities large and small.

Where Canadians live, work and play. If you want to spend your days making a difference and contribute to a healthier planet, we invite you to explore and consider a career that is rewarding in so many ways – work indoors or outside, in technical and professional occupations, with office teams – or atop wind turbines!

1. Unprecedented Growth and Demand
   The electricity industry is experiencing remarkable expansion. The surge in demand, coupled with a higher-than-normal retirement rate, is creating a pressing need for skilled workers to meet this industry growth. Canada’s electricity sector needs to grow substantially over the coming decade, presenting an excellent opportunity for individuals entering the industry.  
2. Financial Stability and Benefits
   One of the notable advantages of careers in the electricity industry is financial stability. Many positions are unionized, ensuring competitive hourly wages or yearly salary. Also, apprenticeships provide an opportunity to earn money while gaining valuable experience, often reducing the need for hefty student loans. As individuals advance in their careers, they can expect yearly raises and attractive benefits such as health coverage and pension contributions. Entry-level employees can earn good salaries, reflecting the industry’s recognition of the value and skills its workers possess. 
3. Towards a More Inclusive Future
   While the industry has made progress, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) remain a key focus. There are public commitments and funding aimed at addressing these issues and ensuring better representation of our broader population in the electricity industry. This commitment provides an opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to contribute their unique perspectives and talents to this dynamic sector. 
4. Job Security and Work-Life Balance
   In an era of ongoing uncertainty, the electricity industry stands out for its historic strong job security. The critical role it plays in powering essential infrastructure ensures a consistent demand for skilled professionals. And our industry places importance on fostering a healthy work-life balance. While the work may be demanding, companies recognize the need for downtime and prioritize employee well-being. This balance allows individuals to enjoy fulfilling personal lives while making meaningful contributions to society through their work. 
5. Culture of Safety and Opportunities
   Safety rules in the electricity industry. It is a universally accepted truth by everyone involved with the industry – safety before everything. Companies invest in comprehensive training programs, protective equipment, and protocols to ensure the safety and protection of employees. This commitment to safety fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among professionals, making it a supportive and collaborative industry. 

And finally, careers in the electricity industry provide exciting opportunities to work with innovative technologies. As our industry evolves to meet the meet climate change, there is a growing focus on renewable energy sources, energy storage, smart grids, and electric transportation. Electricity workers and professionals have the chance to contribute to innovative projects, travel for installations or maintenance, and stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

All of these benefits combined – financial stability, job security, work-life balance, a culture of safety, and making a difference for a healthier planet make our sector a powerful choice as a career option.  

Students in elementary and high school – choose math, science and the courses required to keep your doors open for dynamic careers in electricity and renewable energy! 

College and university students – chart your path to career success! Trades, technician, technologist, engineering and professions in accounting/finance, legal/regulatory affairs, marketing, human resources, etc. 

Everyone –  

• Explore the incredible jobs and learn more about everything that our sector has to offer – check out the virtual tours in The Great Canadian Electricity Map (coming soon!) to get an inside look at how hydro, wind, solar and nuclear energy powers your world!  
• Check out our National Job Board to browse current jobs and connect with employers.  

There has never been a better time to join. You can play a vital role in shaping a sustainable and electrified future for generations to come. 

This program has been funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program. 

Lead Wind Turbine Technician – Justyn

I enjoy fresh air at 300 feet. I started as Tech 1 and advanced to Tech Leader. I have the opportunity to travel in Canada and internationally. The industry is continuing to grow with new wind farms throughout the country. The industry is still young, and the opportunities are endless.

Safety Advisor – Brittany 

I started at 16 as a summer student. Work is always changing, which I find exciting. Traditional jobs are fantastic, and lots of interesting work for women in the trades, etc. We have operations in Canada, the U.S., and Australia.

Trades, Electrician, Solar/environmental responsibility – Matt 

I’m an employee owner, with a flexible work week.

System Controller Trainer – Allison 

You do not need to be an electrician to work in the electricity industry.

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) Lead Analyst – Don 

I travel the world, trouble-shooting and problem-solving in a dynamic job, with flexible hours.

Hydro Technologist (hydro dam) – Adelle 

I enjoy a mix of in the office and in the field. I transitioned from the coal industry to renewable energy, helping the environment. This industry offers a wide variety of jobs and job security.

Power Line Technician – Chase 

I jumped in and never looked back. Friends joined in as well. Adrenaline rush.

« Transition from hospitality to the electricity sector »

I’m 27 years old, I primarily worked in the restaurant industry until I decided to take a career shift during the pandemic. I looked long and hard for an apprenticeship opportunity but with lack of experience in the industry and industrial settings in general I was unable to secure one. Finding it difficult to navigate the electrical sector led me to the Electrical Engineering Technician 442 program at Mohawk College. I’ve really enjoyed the program so far, but as time went on, and I learnt more about the industry I found myself really wanting to get into the renewable’s sector. EHRC gave me the opportunity to start my Career with SunGrid Solutions. I’ve really enjoyed the technical aspect of field service and being on the forefront of battery energy storage solutions. I would say if you’re considering post-secondary education make sure you understand where that program will take you. There is an abundance of positions in the electrical sector that I had never heard of or barely understood!  

Ross Bolton-Smith

Field Service Technician at Sungrid Solutions

« I.T. »

Everybody is very encouraging and welcoming here, my peers have been very kind to help me adjust in my new role. I love working with my team especially with computers and technology. I hope to grow within the company, being in the utilities allows you to help thousands of people, knowing that I work within an organization that impacts the daily lives of people is one of the greatest feelings for me, I would encourage youth to pursue a career in electricity. 

Dipen Chaudhari

IT Technical Help Desk Support at Burlington Hydro