In This Episode:
Join David Arkell, Lysandra Naom, and Michelle Branigan, CEO of Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) on an episode all about supporting the workforce off a alow carbon economy. This episode features job opportunities, funding, skill sets, challenges and more. Check out EHRC at https://electricityhr.ca . Check out our 360 Carbon Excellence Program.
Highlights
Workforce Needs for Decarbonization: Branigan emphasizes the need for a world-class workforce to support Canada’s clean energy goals, focusing on developing the skills and resilience needed in this critical sector.Demographic Challenges and Retirement: The electricity industry faces a "demographic time bomb," with a significant portion of the workforce nearing retirement. Addressing this requires proactive recruitment and succession planning.Scope and Diversity of Roles: The sector requires a wide array of technical, legal, and regulatory roles. Jobs span beyond the commonly perceived roles like line workers and electricians, including cybersecurity, engineering, and legal positions.Youth Engagement and Awareness: Raising awareness among younger generations about career opportunities in electricity is essential. EHRC's "Greening a Generation" project aims to educate youth through interactive experiences, highlighting the sector's environmental impact.Focus on Underrepresented Groups: To meet labor needs, the industry must attract underrepresented groups, including women, indigenous populations, and immigrants, by creating inclusive pathways and support structures.Key Insights
Importance of Skilled Workforce for Transition: A capable workforce is integral to expanding Canada’s electricity grid to support net-zero goals, requiring significant upskilling and reskilling initiatives.Training for New and Emerging Roles: Jobs in renewable energy and advanced tech like smart grids and EV infrastructure are emerging. Identifying transferable skills and mapping career paths for transitioning workers is critical.Youth and Public Engagement: The sector must enhance storytelling and communication efforts to attract youth, linking climate change goals with tangible career opportunities in electricity.Investment in Employee Development: Employers need to invest in continuous training and support for employees, particularly those transitioning from high-carbon roles, to retain talent.Collaborative Workforce Development: Employers, educators, and policymakers must work together to create educational pathways and career programs that align with Canada’s low-carbon economy goals.
