Canada’s energy future depends on its people
- 3 min read
Canada’s workforce challenges are increasingly becoming Canada’s economic challenges.
This was a central theme at the inaugural National Workforce Leadership Summit, which brought together workforce leaders, employers, educators, industry associations and government representatives from across the country to discuss labour market challenges, workforce planning and the talent needed to support Canada’s future growth. The Summit reflected the important work by the network of National Sectoral Workforce Development Councils, supported through the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP).
Careers in Energy (CIE), the workforce development division of Energy Safety Canada, is proud to stand alongside the other workforce development councils across Canada that help employers, workers, educators and governments better understand workforce needs through labour market intelligence, industry engagement, workforce planning and practical workforce development solutions. Together, these organizations play an important role in helping Canada address workforce challenges and prepare for emerging opportunities across key sectors of the economy.
Preparing for Canada’s energy future
For Canada’s energy industry, the conversation is particularly important.
Energy directly employs nearly 200,000 Canadians and supports hundreds of thousands indirect jobs across the country. As workforce demand continues to evolve, Canada’s ability to attract, develop and retain talent will be critical to maintaining a strong, competitive energy sector.
The industry’s workforce challenge is not simply about filling jobs—It’s about helping workers move between opportunities, recognizing transferable skills, supporting workforce mobility and creating clear pathways into rewarding careers across both established and emerging energy sectors.
Addressing those challenges requires labour market intelligence and the tools to help industry make informed decisions. CIE’s ongoing work with employers, educators, governments, Indigenous partners and workforce development organizations helps ensure the sector has the information and resources needed to build a skilled, future-ready workforce.
New opportunities depend on collaboration and engagement
It is also about ensuring more Canadians understand the opportunities available in energy.
Canada’s energy industry offers safe, rewarding and long-term careers in skilled trades, operations, engineering, technology, environmental services and emerging energy technologies. These careers support families, strengthen communities and contribute significantly to Canada’s economy.
No single organization can solve workforce challenges alone—success depends on collaboration among employers, workforce councils, educators, governments, Indigenous partners, and industry leaders.
We look forward to continuing to work alongside our workforce development council colleagues and partners across Canada to strengthen workforce participation, improve labour mobility, support inclusion and help build the workforce needed to power Canada’s future.
About Energy Safety Canada and Careers in Energy
Energy Safety Canada (ESC) is the national safety association and workforce development organization for Canada’s energy industry. Through its Careers in Energy division, ESC helps industry identify workforce needs through its tools, labour market forecasts and insights, while supporting the training, competency and safety skills needed to build a skilled, safe, and future-ready workforce.
About the National Sectoral Workforce Development Councils
The National Sectoral Workforce Development Councils are a network of workforce development organizations that support employers and workers across a range of industries through labour market intelligence, workforce development initiatives, industry engagement, and skills planning. Learn more at workforcecouncils.ca.
About the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program
The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP) is a Government of Canada initiative that supports sector-based organizations in developing and implementing solutions to address labour market challenges.
