Skill shortage threatens Canada's renewable energy industry
November 10, 2013 | By
Barbara Vergetis Lundin
The risk of skill shortages threatens to limit renewable energy expansion in Canada, according to research from Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC). Several scenarios demonstrated that recruiting the required numbers of skilled workers will exceed the limits of current training programs and bring renewable electricity employers into competition with hiring anticipated in other industries.
The results of the national renewable electricity human resources research project indicate strong growth in future employment opportunities in Canada's renewable electricity workforce and calls for national human resource collaboration amongst industry participants to meet future labor requirements in wind, solar, bioenergy, geothermal, marine/tidal, small and large hydro, as well as transmission, storage and distribution industries. The research determined that immediate action is required and defined 12 strategic actions that will assist in building a qualified labor market to meet employer's needs for the next 10 years. This includes:
The Canadian electricity sector alone is expected to need 45,000 new skilled workers in the next five years. "We have laid out a plan to expand the available workforce and build the depth and breadth of skills required," said Michelle Branigan, CEO, EHRC. "With industry participation from employers, trainers, unions and government regulators across all provinces and sectors, we are confident we can succeed in the development of a skilled workforce and provide Canadians with fulfilling careers in renewable electricity." Implementation of the actions in the report would reduce human resources costs related to turnover, recruiting and retirements while expanding career paths for thousands of workers, Branigan contends. "Intelligent, well-trained workers will be key to our country's success in building this [renewable energy] system," said Ted Kantrowitz, chair of the Renewing Futures National Steering Committee. "The Renewing Futures study and action plan sets the stage to effectively equip workers to meet the renewable electricity industry's needs in the medium and long terms." For more:
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