|

A Career with Purpose – Apprentices Building Canada’s Reduced Carbon Future

January 27, 2023

By Yoana Turnin, Project Manager, EHRC

In 2021, Canada joined 120+ other countries in committing to achieving net-zero emissions by year 2050 in an effort to “avert the worst impacts of climate change.” In a few words, that means either reducing or offsetting the economy’s greenhouse gas emissions through electrification, energy efficiency and clean technologies. This commitment, along with the changes in the electricity sector workforce composition, present a unique opportunity for young people who are looking for a career with purpose.

Industry outlook

Currently, the electricity and clean technology sectors are facing significant difficulties regarding human resources. From a macro perspective, the low unemployment rate in Canada and exceptionally high job vacancies are indicative of a labour shortage in general. In addition, the sector’s pre-pandemic retirement rate, according to research undertaken by EHRC, a non-profit organization working to strengthen the ability of the Canadian electricity industry to meet the current and future needs of its workforce, is at almost 3%, or 1.5. times the national average for all industries. This number has likely increased due to the pandemic, although the exact impact is not yet determined.

To try to fill this gap quickly, most employers rely extensively on external contractors for core functions at their companies. Additional recruitment is also largely from within the industry, as opposed to accessing new talent pools. All these factors make replacing the existing workforce – while simultaneously achieving industry growth – a significant challenge.

The opportunity

The renewable energy and clean technologies sectors, such as solar and wind power generation, are positioned well to attract young employees. Millennials and Gen Z workers are particularly interested by employment opportunities that they deem meaningful and that allow them to contribute to “something bigger.” However, these groups also tend to lack awareness of how to access opportunities that speak to these intrinsic motivations.

A recent EHRC labour market intelligence study indicated that representation of workers under the age of 25 in the electricity sector remains at 5%, which is lower than the broader Canadian workforce (14%). At the same time, women and individuals who identify with other genders, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada, Black and other racialized individuals, and those identifying as 2SLGBTQ+ are under-represented in the sector. This unrealized potential further supports the idea that involving younger generations in the sector, in a way that is cognizant and welcoming of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), is of crucial importance for the long-term success of the industry.

The solution

A large percentage of occupations in the electricity industry are technical in nature. As such, apprentices and tradespeople in particular are integral to the industry’s future success. The Government of Canada states that about 700,000 skilled trades workers are expected to retire by 2028. The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum estimates that in order to meet that demand, 75,000 apprentices need to be hired every year for the next five years.

To facilitate sector growth, Employment and Social Development Canada recently launched the Apprenticeship Service program in support of small and medium-sized enterprises (499 employees or less) hiring first-year apprentices in 39 Red Seal trades. This includes construction and industrial electricians, powerline technicians, boilermakers, steamfitters/pipefitters, construction electricians, gasfitters, welders, machinists, tool and die makers and industrial mechanics (millwrights).

Investments in work-integrated learning opportunities, in the form of financial support for employers, certainly provide an incentive to diversify the talent pool. However, additional supports are also needed to improve the participation of equity-deserving groups in skilled trades training and careers and ensure their retention. Examples of such initiatives, delivered by EHRC as one of the Apprenticeship Service providers, are DEI training for employers; professional skills training for participants (focusing on communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills); mentorship; and opportunities for cross-sectoral stakeholder collaboration among employers, educators, labour organizations, government, service providers, and current and potential apprentices.  

Complex issues, such as the current labour market challenges, require comprehensive solutions. A holistic approach that fosters supportive and evolving workplaces and creates awareness of opportunities for careers with purpose in the electricity sector is a pressing priority as Canada endeavours to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

To learn more about EHRC’s Empowering Futures Program, click here.

To apply for EHRC’s wage subsidy programs, click here.

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Schneider Electric Appoints Hugo Lafontaine to Lead its Industry Business in Canada

    Schneider Electric Appoints Hugo Lafontaine to Lead its Industry Business in Canada

    March 16, 2023 Schneider Electric announces the appointment of Hugo Lafontaine to the position of Vice President, Industry, Canada. Hugo will lead the company’s automation business in Canada, bringing smart, connected and sustainable digital technology and next-generation solutions to guide the advancement of industries of the future. “Industry 4.0 is an important driver for innovation and economic growth in Canada,… Read More…

  • Greenlee® Experience Contest Back in 2023 by Popular Demand

    Greenlee® Experience Contest Back in 2023 by Popular Demand

    March 16, 2023 Six winners will win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to one of their manufacturing facilities for a VIP experience Greenlee® recently announced that they are now accepting entries for their second annual Greenlee Experience, an all expenses-paid trip to one of its manufacturing facilities in Elyria, Ohio, June 7-9, 2023. The event will once… Read More…

  • Danielle Diaz: Electric Industry Makes Way for New Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Alectra Inc.

    Danielle Diaz: Electric Industry Makes Way for New Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Alectra Inc.

    March 15, 2023 Brian Bentz, President and CEO of Alectra Inc. has announced that Danielle Diaz has been appointed as Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Alectra Inc. Ms. Diaz was appointed Interim CFO on October 24, 2022. Her new appointment is effective immediately.  About Danielle Diaz Danielle has earned Chartered Accountant (CA) and Chartered… Read More…

  • First Annual Sustainability Impact Awards debuted by Schneider Electric

    First Annual Sustainability Impact Awards debuted by Schneider Electric

    March 15, 2023  Schneider Electric recently announced its first-ever Sustainability Impact Awards, an inaugural program that recognizes the critical role that Schneider’s partners and customers play in delivering a more resilient and sustainable electric world. The North American Impact Leaders demonstrated exceptional leadership and an accelerated path toward their decarbonization goals for the region. The global… Read More…