Generating the Workforce to Deliver Affordable, Reliable Power for Alberta

September 20, 2023

Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC), in partnership with the Government of Alberta, is launching a series of resources to address current and future workforce requirements to help ensure the integrity of Alberta’s power grid – now and for future generations.

Alberta’s Electricity Sector – An Essential and Growing Workforce for Reliable Power

A reliable power grid for hospitals, grocery stores – to keep the farms and communities running and for the many devices and machines that are used every day – is critical for Albertans, and for the economy.

Critical labour challenges, technological advancements and a retiring workforce all point to difficult workforce challenges for the electricity sector. Retirement rates alone will see a cumulative requirement to replace approximately 12% to 14% of the current workforce.

Significant talent growth opportunities include women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and newcomers. Human resources (HR) professionals are leading the solutions required to source and retain the talent pool with the skills and expertise required to meet Alberta’s current and future electricity capacity.

New Peer Learning Communities (PLC) Resources

reliable power

The Peer Learning Communities (PLCs) initiative brings real-time peer-to-peer discussions, problem-solving and best practices sharing to the forefront of workforce planning for Alberta’s electricity sector. It provides a dedicated “safe space” and resources via an online platform where HR professionals will save time and effort by sharing tried and true solutions and applying proven, practical approaches. The Government of Alberta provided $98,800 through the Workforce Partnerships program.

“The workplace is diversifying and changing – and we are providing Alberta’s HR professionals with the innovative forums and resources to share their experience and ideas, deliberate together and discuss key issues, and advance best practices. This will help recruit and retain the talent we need to meet growing electricity sector needs.”

Michelle Branigan, CEO, EHRC

“Alberta’s Government recognizes the importance of a skilled, diverse and growing electricity workforce and creating opportunities for all Albertans. Investing in this program with Electricity Human Resources Canada will help drive economic growth to build a stronger Alberta,” commented Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade.

Workplace Leaders and Peer Learning Communities (PLCs)

Beyond the policies that organizations have in place, PLC forums (both virtual and in-person) inspire change at a cultural level, by teaching front line workers and teams.

Jamie Schrader is an HR professional with Heartland Generation, one of Alberta’s largest power generators, and is a founding member of EHRC’s Peer Learning Communities (PLC). Jamie believes there is a strong fit between her work with diversity and inclusion, compensation and training priorities and the benefits/return on investment (ROI) that come with PLC participation.

This approach is different – it provides ongoing collaboration, and it is fluid – a topic is raised, and conversations take different directions to address immediate concerns and situations. There is definite value in talking things through with peers who bring their experience and unique perspectives to the table. Talking together broadens our understanding and drives solutions. This gets traction.

Fangfang Xiao is an Assistant Business Manager with IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local Union 424, based in Edmonton.

Through PLCs, I have access to mentoring and coaching on how to do my job. During PLC discussions, I share what IBEW is doing to attract other workers, how to succeed in this career and how to help new people. We are learning from other organizations with this collaborative approach – this is very exciting for me.

This program is funded by the Government of Alberta’s Labour Market Partnerships (LMP), part of the broader Workforce Partnerships Program.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • 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…

  • The ‘Prosumer’: Taking an Active Role in Electricity Management & Generation

    The ‘Prosumer’: Taking an Active Role in Electricity Management & Generation

     “For us, a prosumer is an active homeowner or building owner who manages and distributes their electrical load to optimize energy use in their home or business,” explains Schneider Electric’s David O’Reilly, Vice President of the Home & Commercial Solutions Division. Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Westburne Canada Announces Promotion of Anshul Mathur to President

    Westburne Canada Announces Promotion of Anshul Mathur to President

    February 7, 2025 Rexel has announced the promotion of Anshul Mathur to the position of President, Westburne Canada, effective March 31, 2025. This transition will include a two-month handover period to ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities. Anshul joined the Rexel Canada team on July 18, 2011, as a Business Development Account Manager at Westburne…. Read More…

  • Leviton Announces Extended Partnership with Salex for the Ottawa Market

    Leviton Announces Extended Partnership with Salex for the Ottawa Market

    February 7, 2025 Levtion are excited to announce the expansion of their long-standing partnership with Salex into the Ottawa region. “I’m very excited to bring our expertise and solutions to the Ottawa market with Salex. Together, we have demonstrated that our mutual capabilities, solutions, and experience are unrivalled. I look forward to supporting and growing… Read More…

  • AEA Congratulates Leanne Walker for Emerging Leader Award at 2024 AEA Industry Awards

    AEA Congratulates Leanne Walker for Emerging Leader Award at 2024 AEA Industry Awards

    February 7, 2025 Congratulations to Leanne Walker at EECOL Electric for receiving Alberta Electrical Alliance’s Emerging Leader award at their 2024 AEA Industry Awards. View the AEA LinkedIn post on the announcement: Read More…

  • EB Horsman Campbell River’s New Building is Now Open

    EB Horsman Campbell River’s New Building is Now Open

    February 7, 2025 EB Horsman & Son is thrilled to announce that EB Horsman & Son Campbell River has officially opened the doors to it’s new building at 904 Ironwood Street, Campbell River, B.C. V9W 5K7. This move represents an exciting new chapter as EB celebrates 55 years of dedicated service to the community. Located just across the… Read More…