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Highlights how energy transitions underway will affect Alberta’s electricity workforce

CALGARY, AB (April 19, 2018) Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC), released its Labour Market Intelligence for Alberta’s Energy Sector – Workforce Transitions report earlier this week amongst a key group of employers, labour and educators at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. The Report is the result of a study, undertaken by EHRC and funded by the Government of Alberta, that examined the labour market needs of the province’s electricity sector including hiring projections, the increased focus on renewable integration and how innovation in technology will impact the skills of the future workforce.

“The accelerated pace of change of our province including advancements in technology and the integration of renewables on the grid will have a huge impact on our workforce. We need to anticipate what skills employers need so that they can be competitive in a diversifying economy. We know this pace of change will not be slowing down anytime soon.  So we want to ensure that businesses, governments, communities and Albertans have the best and up-to-date information to make the right decisions on their future. Without a doubt this research on the future of electricity will help ensure our province has the most skilled, adaptable and innovative workforce possible.” said Christina Gray, Minister of Labour & Responsible for Democratic Renewal.

The report covers the next five years of transition and change for more than 23 key occupations in Alberta’s electricity sector. It provides new evidence about demographics, major investments and changes in labour markets, training programs and human resource management practices. It also serves as a call to action, supporting sector human resource management planning while providing new information on best practices for transitioning workforces and insights into Alberta’s growing renewable energy sector.

In light of the evidence presented in the report, key recommendations to support Alberta’s changing electricity workforce, include the need for:

How the industry navigates the above-noted transitions will be driven by the extent to which united action is exercised in embracing opportunities through the implementation of key recommendations proposed.

To download your own copy of the executive summary or the full report please visit EHRC’s reports and resources’ page: http://electricityhr.ca/resources/lmi-for-albertas-energy-sector-2017-2022/

Acknowledgements

A project such as this requires the help and participation of numerous individuals and organizations. EHRC would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the following organizations who participated on the Alberta LMI Steering Committee:  the Alberta Electric System Operator, AltaLink Management Ltd., Capital Power Corporation, IBEW Local Union 254, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, TransAlta Corporation, Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta, University of Calgary, ENMAX Corporation, Canadian Wind Energy Association, and Canadian Solar Industries Association.

Labour Market Development Agreement

The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services.

About Electricity Human Resources Canada

Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) is Canada’s most trusted source of objective human resources information and tools to help the Canadian electricity industry match workforce supply and demand. EHRC is a not-for-profit organization helping to keep the lights on in Canada by enabling a world-class workforce for the entire electricity industry. EHRC helps to build a better workforce by strengthening the ability of the Canadian electricity industry to meet current and future needs for a highly skilled, safety-focused, diverse and productive workforce. For more information, visit www.ElectricityHR.ca.

Contacts:

Michelle Branigan, CEO
Electricity Human Resources Canada
(613) 235-5540; ext. 235
[email protected]

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Media Relations:
Marie Mould
Electricity Human Resources Canada
Manager of Communications
(613)235-5540; ext. 222
[email protected]