Winds of Change

Winds of Change explores the labour market dynamics of Canada’s renewable energy sector from today through 2030.

This report examines the transformation of Canada’s electricity sector amid global economic and technological changes. It highlights the sector’s growth, driven by the goal of achieving a Net Zero economy by 2050, and addresses challenges such as high job vacancy rates, labour market inefficiencies, and the need for workforce diversity. The report emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts to address skill gaps and support Canada’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

Overview

1. Global Trends and Developments in the Electricity Sector
2. Canada’s Electricity System
3. Renewable Energy at the Provincial Level
4. Renewable Energy Technologies
5. Labour Market Analysis
6. Human Resources and Labour Market Considerations
7. Calls to Action for the Electricity Sector

1. Employment Surge: Employment in the sector increased significantly, reaching 23,000 by 2024, up from 4,700 in 2012.
2. High Job Vacancy Rate: The sector faces a job vacancy rate of 13.1%, much higher than the broader trades sector’s 2.1%.
3. Labour Market Challenges: Despite the high demand for specialists, the sector struggles with unemployment due to inefficiencies and entry barriers.
4. Diversity and Inclusion: Efforts are ongoing to improve workforce diversity, particularly for women, Indigenous people, and racialized communities.
5. Retention Issues: Employers face challenges with retention due to uncompetitive pay, high turnover, and global competition for talent.
6. Decarbonization Goals: Significant renewable energy deployment is necessary to achieve Canada’s decarbonization goals by 2050.
7. Projected Employment Growth: Employment in the sector is expected to grow by 4.3% annually from 2024 to 2030.
8. Skill Gaps and Training Needs: Addressing labour shortages and skill gaps requires coordinated action by industry, governments, and educational institutions.

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1. Develop new National Occupational Standards (NOS): Focus on energy storage, smart grid and telecommunications technology to better measure and plan workforce training.
2. Include National Occupational Codes (NOC) in the Statistics Canada Database: Add specific codes for wind and solar roles to improve data tracking and workforce forecasting.
3. Launch Comprehensive Campaigns: Attract youth and transitioning workers to training programs and employment opportunities in renewable energy.
4. Invest in Youth Engagement: Start attracting youth in middle and high school with programs that encourage science and math credits that are critical to pathways into the industry.
5. Accredit Training Programs: Formalize and improve participation in the accreditation of renewable energy training programs across Canada as piloted by EHRC.
6. Expand Training Programs: Grow and align the number of training programs with forecasted labour market needs as renewable energy technologies grow to support long-term electricity generation.
7. Streamline Immigration Pathways: Facilitate immigration for renewable energy roles where local talent is unavailable.
8. Improve Access for Rural and Remote Communities: Enhance access to renewable energy training programs in these communities across Canada.
9. Align Compensation and Benefits: Ensure base compensation meets local market expectations for roles and offer more comprehensive benefits programs to improve retention.
10. Communicate Career Pathways: Develop and share clear career pathways within the renewable energy sector to boost attraction, recruitment and retention.

EHRC

Michelle Branigan, CEO

Mark Chapeskie, Vice President of Programs

Yulia Nerovny, Economist

Sheldon Polowin, Economist

Ryan Baan, Marketing & Communications Manager

Canadian Renewable Energy Association

Mathieu Côté, Director, Operators Program

Mary MacLean, Manager, Operators Program

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Marine Renewables Canada

Elisa Oberman, Executive Director

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