Electricity and cleantech sectors offer ‘exceptional opportunities’ for careers

Big jobs in the growing electricity market could eventually be filled by people growing up in small communities.
It’s part of a strategy by a federally funded non-profit based in Ottawa to generate interest in a sector that is facing a shortage of workers.
“The energy and cleantech sector faces significant human resources challenges,” Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) says in a briefing.
“In addition, the retirement rate in this sector before the pandemic was almost 1.5 times higher than the national average for all industries,” the agency added, noting the Canadian government’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“This commitment, along with changes to the power sector workforce, creates a unique opportunity for young people seeking a career with purpose,” the agency said.
To support this sector, Electricity Human Resources Canada hosts hands-on science camps in Indigenous communities across Canada, aimed at igniting young people’s interest in science in general and electricity in particular.
One of the camps will be held next month at Fort William First Nation.
“Inspire kids with electricity,” the event bulletin reads. “Discover how energy works through activities and experiments.”
In 2022, Natural Resources Canada provided Electricity Human Resources Canada with $325,000 over three years to organize energy camps.
The Fort William First Nation Camp will be held August 19-23. For more information, email Mary Charlie at [email protected].

Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal