So, you’ve decided that you want to pursue a career in cleantech. Maybe you think that this sector will align better with your goals and values. Or maybe your current role faces uncertainty. No matter what the driver of career change may be - a key component to a transition is looking before you leap. It is important to have an understanding of the labour market you intend to enter. Are there jobs in your area of interest? Is the field growing (or shrinking!)? Is the role you’re interested in influenced by global markets - if so, to what extent? Before diving into a new field, it is important to do a bit of research. If you’re eyeing a new role in cleantech - you’re in luck - because I’ve gathered some of that research here for you!

Canada has made a commitment to a zero-carbon economy by 2050; there is a lot of work and innovation required to meet that goal. There are many new and ongoing projects aimed at developing climate solutions which are creating jobs and growth across many sectors. For example, the clean energy sector grew by 10.5% in 2022; and clean energy jobs are expected to grow by nearly 50% by 2030. A quick search of the Climate Career Portal’s jobs page shows that there are over 200 jobs currently posted under just wind and solar solutions - and more than 500 open roles for all energy sector solutions.

In Alberta alone, jobs in cleantech are expected to grow by 29% by 2030. These jobs are across sectors; roles ranging from scientists to construction, from manufacturing to water quality specialist and from civil engineering to occupational health and safety. According to Clean Energy Canada, there will be a major shift as oil & gas jobs decline and clean energy jobs rise. Their 2021 Clean Jobs report states, “...jobs in the clean energy sector can only grow as fast as there are workers to fill them.” There will be a need to transition workers from oil & gas to clean energy jobs, as well as train entrants into the labour market to fill these gaps.

Reproduced with 2020-2030 jobs data from “ The New Reality” by Clean Energy Canada.

Canada is a world leader in cleantech initiatives. The Cleantech Group - a sustainable research and consulting group - released the top 100 companies working in cleantech around the world, and this year 12 of those companies are in Canada. While global economic trends and forces will continue to impact Canada, clean growth and climate action will create additional jobs over the next decade: the outlook for employment in cleantech is bright.

Percent of top 100 global Cleantech companies by country from the 2023 Global Cleantech 100 report by the Cleantech Group.

Now that you’ve learned a bit more about the labour market, you can start to think about specific roles or projects that interest you - and how to obtain them. Perhaps additional training will be required to take your current skillset to a role in cleantech. There are many training opportunities to help you do just that! Check out the Training tab on the CCP to find a program that meets your needs. Or maybe you need a bit more guidance on how to make the transition to cleantech - check out the many mentors available through CCP to help you navigate this path. It is an exciting time to transition to cleantech - growth is happening across the board and the need for skilled labour is high. Are you ready?

Post by freelance writer Anna Kobb

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This blog is funded in part by the Government of Canada's Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.