Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC)

Happy #NationalLineworkerAppreciationDay to all the brave folks who risk their lives every day to ensure the reliability of our electricity grid across Canada. As skilled professionals, lineworkers keep the lines together to connect us all.

We were honoured to have some of our summer students invited to attend the Western Canada Regional Roundtable hosted by Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC)! Each Roundtable serves as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge, and identify practical actions to address key issues on a regional basis. These events bring together business, government, academia, and labour to discuss both regional and national labour market issues and how best to address them. Iconic was incredibly proud to have our summer students attend and be involved in these very important discussions. #IconciPowerSystems #SummerStudents #EHRC #RegionalRoundtable #Collaboration

Bright Futures Camps 2024 coming this summer! EHRC is thrilled to bring the Bright Futures Camps 2024 to Indigenous communities across Western and Northern Canada! These week-long camps are designed to spark curiosity and build skills in STEM and electricity among youth aged 10-13 years in rural and remote areas. Our hands-on programs not only engage young minds but also provide invaluable career exploration opportunities in a fun way. We are excited to deliver camps with our partner Elephant Thoughts, at Fort William First Nation, NWO; Longplain First Nation, MB; East Prairie Metis Community, AB; West Moberly First Nation, BC and Liidlii Kue, NT. Explore more: https://lnkd.in/gbJ9SUXf Sponsor this program: https://lnkd.in/gaDkkvNP

As the #electricity industry evolves to meet #ClimateChange goals and ensure a #CleanEnergy future, we must include women. EHRC is excited to offer two new $2,000 #bursaries for #women entering or currently enrolled in a #trades or #STEM program. To apply for EHRC’s women’s bursary, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Apply now with a completed application form, an essay, letter of recommendation and proof of enrollment in post-secondary #education or #trades program. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/g5UrB_WC

Men outnumber #women in #technology, engineering, and #trades jobs in Canada’s electricity industry. To welcome more women in the sector, EHRC is offering two $2,000 #bursaries for women entering the #electricity sector. This is your chance to win a #bursary! Along with the financial support, the recipients will gain access to #mentorship and #networking opportunities through free access to EHRC 's two signature events, Agents of Change and Awards of Excellence. Send your application today! https://lnkd.in/g5UrB_WC

The Sustainable Jobs Act marks a key legislative milestone. Its focus is “respecting accountability, transparency, and engagement to support the creation of sustainable jobs for workers and economic growth in a net-zero economy.” Integral to its effectiveness will be the solid workforce in place to address three simultaneous priorities - current electricity demand, anticipated demand growth and transition to clean energy goals. To demonstrate the scope of the challenge ahead… Canada’s electricity sector employment grew by 12% over the past 5 years, almost 2X the workforce growth of the rest of the Canadian economy. EHRC’s occupational projections forecast “28 by 28” — 28,000 job openings by 2028 due to growth & retirements. Our supply-demand analysis underscores significant shortages in the skilled trades, engineering, technician, technologists and information/communication technology roles. Employers have identified a shortage of skilled workers as their most pressing constraint in the near term. And as we look to 2050, the total number of job openings for the sector to meet net-zero will be closer to 150,000 openings. Important to note is the career runway to get us there. To educate, train and certify nuclear engineers entering the workforce in 2030 requires that today’s Grade 9 youth select STEM-related courses to embark on this career pathway. 📗 EHRC’s Electricity in Demand: Labour Market Insights 2023-2028 report (https://tab.so/6eb1cc3c) outlines the roadmap to ensure we get there, underscored by 5 key points: 1️⃣ Align the Canadian immigration system with labour market demand for in-demand roles in our industry, and align foreign credential & experience recognition with the relevant regulatory authorities to expedite workforce integration of foreign-trained professionals. 2️⃣ Grow the number of seats available to youth & others in college/university that stream into occupations into this industry, paired with a campaign to attract workers to our sector. 3️⃣ Retain workers longer through flexible work arrangements, and adjustments to work & pension rules that don’t penalize workers from extending their careers. 4️⃣ Develop standardized training programs nationwide accredited to national occupational standards as renewable energy generates new roles & new definitions, e.g., solar (photovoltaic) installer; and wind turbine technician. 5️⃣ Increase advertising, recruiting, onboarding & retaining people of diverse backgrounds. Women make up only 27% of the industry. Only 1% of the sector declares to their employer they have a disability. Five percent, while Indigenous & aligned to the labour market writ large, are concentrated in the skilled trades. As we continue to innovate and embrace new technologies, investing in workforce growth, knowledge, skills, and adaptability will define success. #SustainableJobsAct #RenewableEnergy #SolarEnergy #WindEnergy #NuclearEnergy #Hydro #ElectricityHR #CleanEnergy

1 week left to apply and win a #bursary! If you are a woman entering or currently enrolled in a #trades or #STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program, apply now for EHRC 's new $2,000 bursary. Deadline: Aug 15, 2023. Hurry! https://lnkd.in/g5UrB_WC

Don't miss out! Join us on Tuesday at EHRC’s Western #RegionalRoundtable in #Calgary for an insightful event to collaborate, share knowledge, and address key issues in the #ElectricitySector. Register now: https://shorturl.at/htuzN

As the federal government actions its next steps to bring clean, affordable energy to Canadians, EHRC will continue to bring valuable workforce and comprehensive industry sector insights and recommendations (hydro, nuclear, wind, solar, etc.) to solutions planning. This includes the Government of Canada’s development of the first Clean Electricity Strategy, expected later this year. EHRC commends the Canada Electricity Advisory Council for its recent Report work and release (available here: https://tab.so/8a1e0c7c). Meeting its goals will require a full-on focus on building our national electricity workforce. We look forward to next steps to invest and build the talent needed to power our nation’s clean, reliable energy future. EHRC was pleased to provide input into this study, speaking to the critical need to consider the skilled workforce that will be required to meet Canada’s decarbonization and electricity growth goals. By 2028, we expect 28,000+ job openings to meet the rising demands of the electricity sector. Most of these will occur because of retirement, as those in the “Baby Boomer” demographic approach the end of their working life. [Source: https://tab.so/6eb1cc3c]. The status quo is not an option. Without suitably skilled employees, even the best business plans and ideas cannot be successfully implemented. The CEAC’s findings determine that “electricity projects cannot be built without certain kinds of skilled labour … the right skills are vital for the operation and maintenance of electricity projects and systems.” Over 80% of electricity employers foresee difficulties in attracting workers in the next six years [Source: https://tab.so/6eb1cc3c]. This illustrates the need for a comprehensive human-resource strategy that aligns with Canada’s commitment to supporting workers in all sectors as they adapt to the new energy economy. EHRC has developed a three-pronged national electricity HR strategy and action plan that focuses on 1) attracting and retaining workers to the sector (quantity of labour); 2) safeguarding work quality and ensuring workers have the right training and skills (quality of labour); and 3) matching workers with opportunities in the labour market (workforce partnerships). [Source: Comprehensive human resource strategy for Canada’s electricity sector, recommended in Electricity in Demand: Labour Market Insights 2023-2028, https://tab.so/6eb1cc3c]. Federal planning and work on Canada’s first Clean Electricity Strategy can be fast-tracked by building on this good work done with industry-wide input. Together, we will empower our national #electricity workforce to power day-to-day life for Canadians, and generate Canada’s business growth. Read our full response to the report here: https://tab.so/c5bd0e71 Michelle Branigan, CEO, EHRC Nirav Patel, Chair, EHRC Board #RenewableEnergy #SolarEnergy #WindEnergy #NuclearEnergy #Hydro #ElectricityHR #CleanEnergy #CleanTech

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day! Today, we honour the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous communities across Canada. At EHRC, we recognize the significant impact that Indigenous peoples have on the electricity industry and our nation. We are committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce where Indigenous voices are heard and respected. By working together, we are building a brighter future powered by diversity and collaboration. Join us in celebrating #NIPD2024 and learning more about the heritage, history, and achievements of Indigenous peoples.