Hydro Ottawa’s Millennial Workforce Doubles: Utility a Top Employer for Young People
February 15, 2018
A decade ago, Hydro Ottawa launched an initiative to attract and retain the next generation of workers. This workforce renewal has succeeded in attracting young talent, doubling the number of employees under 35 to 32 percent.
As a result, Hydro Ottawa was named one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People for the fifth consecutive year.
The utility’s Youth Council, robust summer and coop student programs, career development opportunities and trades apprenticeship training are creating an attractive workplace for millennials. Chaired by the company’s CEO, the Youth Council gives employees under 30 a voice and addresses issues such as recruiting and retaining talent, employee engagement and career planning.
- The company’s Youth Council was created to generate insight on issues involving or affecting youth at Hydro Ottawa, and to improve networking opportunities for young professionals within the company.
- Over the last decade, Hydro Ottawa has seen a quarter of its employees retire, with another 40 percent eligible to retire over the next ten years.
- 21 percent of Hydro Ottawa’s trades workforce are apprentices.
- Hydro Ottawa offers a formal coaching program as well as training and development programs that support young people to grow within the company.
