Jobs in Alberta: Opportunities in the Clean Economy
A recent report by Clean Energy Canada's predicts a 164% growth in Alberta's clean energy jobs, increasing from 44,000 in 2020 to 72,000 by 2030.
Photo credit: David Dodge, GreenEnergyFutures.ca
Mobilizing Alberta is an initiative aimed at increasing engagement on climate change across Southern Alberta. Through Climate Action Grants, a Climate Conversation Speaker Series, and the Preparing Albertans for Climate Change e-course, Mobilizing Alberta provides a foundation on which Albertans can build awareness and support meaningful climate action. Over the next few months, we’ll share a series of informative blog posts to answer frequently asked questions, clear up common misconceptions, and break down climate solutions in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way.
What is the Clean Economy?
As part of Canada’s commitment to take action on climate change, the federal government has plans to reduce carbon pollution and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. This means we need to balance the amount of pollution we put into the air with the amount we remove.
We need a skilled workforce to help us reach these goals. Canada needs to make changes to our energy systems, transportation systems, and the built environment. The businesses, jobs, and people working in this area are often referred to as being part of the “New Clean Economy.”
Alberta’s economy stands to benefit from the diverse job opportunities created by the New Clean Economy. Experts estimate investment in “cleantech” could create 200,000 jobs and contribute $61 billion to Alberta’s economy. In addition, it could create thousands of high-paying jobs in other industries, including steel recycling, renewable energy, electric transportation, mining for critical minerals and metals, and retrofitting residential and commercial buildings.
Cleantech is an umbrella term that describes a variety of products, products and services that avoid environmental impacts through practices, processes, or materials that avoid creating pollutants or waste. Cleantech includes ag-tech and agriculture, electrification, hydrogen production and utilization, digitization, and carbon capture, utilization and storage.
Why is the Clean Economy so important?
The oil and gas industry has brought prosperity to Alberta for decades. The province currently accounts for 80% of Canada’s oil production and 75% of its natural gas output. By a wide margin, oil and gas has been Canada’s biggest export. However, in recent years, growth has begun to slow. Automation and the digital transition (the integration of digital technology into every area of a business), as well as decreased investment in capital expenditures, has meant the oil and gas industry doesn’t generate the same employment growth it once did. Since 2013, Alberta’s oil and gas industry has lost almost 40,000 positions (down from the peak of 171,000 jobs). Experts predict this trend will likely continue in years to come, leaving many skilled and knowledgeable workers in a precarious position.
The good news is that the skills and knowledge that has made the oil and gas industry a prosperous innovator are also vital in the new Clean Economy. The transition from one energy economy to another will take time, and those interested in exploring new opportunities could find them in cleantech and its associated industries. The brainpower of the oil and gas workforce is one of Alberta’s biggest assets, and could set the stage for the province to lead the cleantech industry.
Countries around the world are making moves towards reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and cutting emissions. In the United States, the Inflation Reduction Act set a goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. Experts predict that should the new US government maintain this goal, the demand for Alberta oil could decrease. Additionally, major automakers have committed $341 billion by 2026 for the switch to electric vehicles.
The recent election in the United States could also have an impact on Alberta’s oil market. Shortly after his win, President-Elect Donald Trump announced plans for tariffs on all Canadian products, including oil and gas. While many trade sanctions on Canadian products were lifted during his first term, experts are unable to predict what will happen this time around. Many suggest the measures are a negotiating tactic, as Canada is the largest single source of petroleum and crude oil imports to the U.S.. The tariffs are likely to raise the cost of living for American consumers and prompt oil and gas companies to reconsider investing further in operations.
What can you do to get a career in the Clean Economy?
The Clean Economy offers a wide range of opportunities for professionals across various fields. Professions like engineers, project managers, electricians, analysts, and laborers are all essential in building, operating, and maintaining energy infrastructure, creating pathways for individuals to thrive in the Clean Economy.
There are plenty of resources out there to help you learn more about the roles available. Here are a few places to start:
- The Canadian Renewable Energy Association has worker profiles about real people working real jobs in the industry. The Association also has a job board that lists open positions in the sector.
- Eco Canada has an extensive list of career profiles in the renewable energy space. You can filter by salary, industry, and required education. Each profile contains information about the career, including job duties, work environment, where to work, education and skills required, role models, your impact, and occupational classification.
- Solar Alberta’s library of pre-recorded training courses, workshops, and live courses can help you explore options in the solar industry.
Many skills are transferable from the other sectors to the Clean Economy, but there are also plenty of opportunities to learn new industry-specific skills:
- Iron + Earth is a non-profit founded by fossil fuel workers, led by growing concerns of climate change. They provide resources and training courses for those looking to explore careers in renewable energy. They also host a career portal where you can explore opportunities in the renewable energy industry or with net-zero companies.
- Quick Train Canada offers short training programs (including funded training and sponsored programs) at accredited institutions to help workers build skills in just weeks.
- U of C Sustainable Energy Development Masters program offers students a holistic education in sustainable energy, equipping them with skills to effectively manage and operate Clean Economy projects.
- Student Energy’s Career Training Program helps build skills through training, career coaching, and experiential learning.
- Canadian Home Builders Association Net Zero Training includes four courses directed at builders, renovators, energy advisors, and sales professionals. There’s also an additional (free) marketing and communications module.
- The RBC Foundation Green Skills Scholarship is an opportunity to have your training funded.
- The Canadian Renewable Energy Association has a comprehensive list of training opportunities including co-ops, apprenticeships, and trade programs at various institutions across Alberta.
Preparing Albertans for Climate Change
The University of Calgary’s e-course, Preparing Albertans for Climate Change, offers a clear, actionable look at how we can adapt to and reduce the impacts of climate change. You can learn more about the opportunities for job growth in the Clean Economy — and how Alberta can parlay our decades of expertise in the energy industry into prosperity coupled with climate action.