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Careers in Energy launches major project to support workforce in Canada’s low-carbon energy future

October 2, 2023
Careers in Energy (formerly PetroLMI), a division of Energy Safety Canada, is pleased to announce a new project, funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, to support the development of a skilled and productive workforce in Canada’s oil and gas and emerging low-carbon energy sectors.

Building a Workforce for Canada’s Energy Future will address gaps in labour market forecasting, workforce planning, career information, and training and upskilling programs. With Careers in Energy’s extensive network, they are in a unique position to establish a consortium of senior decision-makers and industry stakeholders from education, technology and energy transformation companies to provide advice and guidance.

“Canada's energy industry is undergoing significant change. It is transforming and diversifying rapidly, and the workforce is evolving with it,” says Murray Elliott, President & CEO, Energy Safety Canada. “Building a Workforce for Canada’s Energy Future, a project led by Careers in Energy, a division of Energy Safety Canada, will be the roadmap to identify and develop the skills and talent required to support a robust energy sector for decades to come.” 
 
A key part of the project is the expansion of Careers in Energy’s proprietary modelling system and employment forecasts beyond traditional oil and gas to include growing energy sources, such as hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biofuels.

Led by Creative Links, Stokes Economics, Systematic Solutions Inc. (SSI), and The Transition Accelerator, energy scenarios will be developed, allowing Careers in Energy to provide previously unavailable labour market forecasting and an understanding of the workforce required to support a low-carbon economy.

“There is a void of data and industry information in this area,” says Elliott. “Expanding Careers in Energy’s labour market modelling is essential to providing timely and relevant data to better align the labour force with future energy industry requirements.”

Also key to the project are partnerships between Careers in Energy and three training providers:
  • geoLOGIC systems has developed a micro-credential program focused on basic knowledge in sustainability and environment, social and governance (ESG). The curriculum consists of topics such as emissions measurement and reduction, understanding ESG data, CCS, and water and land management.
  • Higher Landing is supporting a career transition program in which participants from across Canada will learn about opportunities in the clean energy economy. In addition, Higher Landing’s innovative Grizzly Den provides an opportunity for program participants to market themselves to potential employers. Applications for the program are being accepted.
  • Lighthouse Labs will provide digital reskilling and upskilling programs to help participants expand their career opportunities in a more digitized energy industry. Register now for an information session.  
Participation in these programs is free.

“There is a gap in information and resources for workers—particularly underrepresented groups and those transitioning into new careers—about the skills and the competencies required to advance their careers in a changing energy industry,” says Elliott. “Workers with experience in oil and gas are often well-suited for work in adjacent emerging sectors. Many of their skills are transferable to CCS, hydrogen, biofuels and other sectors of the expanding energy industry.”

To reflect the increasing diversity and integration of industry, PetroLMI is now called Careers in Energy. A suite of tools and resources for energy education, career planning, transitioning, and upskilling can be found at CareersinEnergy.ca.