Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) Charts the Course to Meet Growing Electricity Jobs Demand to Power Alberta’s Economy in 2023 and Beyond

May 29, 2023

Real-time data modelling will forecast electricity workforce planning for industry, educators, career seekers  

Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC), in partnership with the Government of Alberta, is creating a new labour market data modelling tool to forecast workforce planning needs for the province’s electricity sector.  

The trifecta of surging electricity demand; rapid technology change in the industry; and the opportunity to build, diversify and create jobs during the post-pandemic recovery period all point to the need for a reliable and accurate forecasting tool to define workforce skills requirements. 

 Shifting To A New Electricity Landscape  

Increasing power consumption in Canada due to societal shifts toward smart homes, smart cities, electric vehicles, and more battery-powered devices have national and international studies forecasting Canada’s electricity demand requirements to increase by two to three times our current generation capacity. 1  

Research findings indicate that 30% of Alberta’s electricity generation will transition to renewable sources such as wind, hydro, and solar by 2030 [source: EHRC’s Report: Labour Market Intelligence for Alberta’s Energy Sector – Workforce Transitions. This transition to low carbon energy sources will have a tremendous impact on Alberta’s labour market.  

Amping Up Workforce Planning for Alberta’s Electricity Sector  

As Alberta enters a new period of economic development and growth, enhancing the province’s ability to conduct accurate, real-time, workforce planning is critical for the electricity sector in Alberta. This sector fundamentally impacts the lives of every Albertan and every business, and is key to Alberta’s plans for economic growth (Alberta at Work).  

“The Government of Alberta is committed to cultivating our workforce and creating opportunities for industry to provide Albertans with the training and skills required for our future-ready workforce,” the Honourable Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development,
“We are proud to support this important initiative led by Electricity Human Resources Canada to support Alberta’s electricity sector with the skills needed to power our economy and communities for decades to come.”  

the Honourable Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development

“The electricity sector workforce must grow to meet transitioning and anticipated power demands, and adapt to new skill sets,” confirms Michelle Branigan, CEO, EHRC. “Factor in high retirement rates, intense competition for talent, and long-lead times for training for many high-expertise positions – the need for reliable workforce forecasting is an industry imperative.”  

Michelle Branigan, CEO, EHRC

The primary goal of this project is to create a labour market forecasting tool that will enhance the ability of Alberta’s electricity sector to determine workforce supply and demand. This requires timely, reliable, and comprehensive Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) to assess the ongoing and future workforce training requirements which are essential for talent planning and overall industry workforce stewardship.  

A recognized leader in labour market research and business intelligence, EHRC will engage industry stakeholders across Alberta to determine the key factors that affect labour supply, demand, and composition in the province. These considerations will be validated by a Steering Committee and shared in a key findings document.  

This project is being funded in part by the Government of Alberta through a Workforce Partnerships grant, where eligible organizations with common labour market needs can get funding for workforce initiatives.  

1 2050 Vision: Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA); The Big Switch, Powering Canada’s Net Zero Future, Canadian Climate Institute; Canada 2022, Energy Policy Review, Parisbased International Energy Agency News Release 2 Classification: Protected A  

Source

Related Story

EHRC Bursaries for Women Entering the Electricity Industry

Year after year, the data consistently shows that men outnumber women in technology, engineering, and trades jobs in Canada’s electricity industry. As the industry evolves to meet climate change goals and ensure a clean, resilient energy future, there is a real opportunity – and need – to include more women in the sector.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition – A Road Map: Section 28 – Motors and Generators

    Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition – A Road Map: Section 28 – Motors and Generators

    Rule 28-000 – Scope states that Section 28is a supplementary or amendatory section of the code and provides additional and specific requirements for the installation, wiring methods, conductors, protection, and control of all motors and generators. Read More…

  • Statement by ECAO Executive Director, Graeme Aitken on Tariffs

    Statement by ECAO Executive Director, Graeme Aitken on Tariffs

    February 7, 2025 ECAO posted the following statement from Executive Director, Graeme Aitken on their website regarding potential U.S. Tariffs: For almost 80 years, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Ontario (ECAO) has served and represented the interests of Ontario’s industry-leading, unionized electrical contractors. Over those many decades, ECAO has stepped up during times of challenge… Read More…

  • Rigid PVC Conduit vs. ENT in High-Rise and Multi-Use Applications

    Rigid PVC Conduit vs. ENT in High-Rise and Multi-Use Applications

    February 7, 2025 By Phil Crangi Choosing the right high-rise construction conduit can significantly impact project efficiency and costs. While rigid PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) conduit may have a lower upfront cost, ENT (Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing) offers more significant advantages due to its long-term labor savings and installation efficiency. ENT and fittings form an integrated system… Read More…

  • EFC Tariff Response: Advocating for Free Trade

    EFC Tariff Response: Advocating for Free Trade

    February 7, 2025 STATEMENT FROM CAROL MCGLOGAN, PRESIDENT & CEO, ELECTRO-FEDERATION CANADA ON U.S. TARIFFS Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), representing Canada’s electrical and automation industry, strongly opposes the recent tariffs announced (an subsequently delayed) by President Trump on Canadian imports. These tariffs threaten to disrupt North American supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and… Read More…


Changing Scene