News
Calgary, AB — Careers in Energy (CIE), a division of Energy Safety Canada, has released its updated National Labour Market Outlook to 2035, highlighting Canada’s position as a major global energy producer and exporter—and the workforce capacity required in a rapidly shifting global energy system.
Canada’s energy industry directly employs about 192,500 individuals across established and emerging energy sectors. Beyond direct employment, an estimated 370,000 indirect jobs are sustained annually to support industry’s operations supply chain.
For every $1 billion spent on developing and constructing energy infrastructure projects, an additional 5,400 jobs are created across the broader Canadian economy.
Canada’s energy industry depends on a skilled workforce
As a net energy exporter with strong operational performance and long-term reserves, Canada is increasingly recognized as a dependable supplier in a shifting global energy landscape shaped by geopolitical uncertainty and evolving demand for lower-carbon energy.
“As energy security becomes a defining global priority, Canada is uniquely positioned as a reliable global energy supplier,” says Energy Safety Canada President and CEO Vineeta Maguire. “Sustaining that position will depend on a skilled, adaptable workforce capable of supporting both established and emerging energy systems.”
Retirements drive the need for workforce renewal
The energy industry is projected to generate approximately 18,400 new direct jobs by 2035, while another 54,200 energy workers are eligible to retire over the forecast period. If Canada’s energy industry replaces all job openings created by age-related attrition—retirements and deaths—it could result in an estimated 72,600 net hiring requirement.
While established energy sectors, including exploration and production of oil and natural gas, oil sands, pipelines, energy services and petroleum refining remain central to Canada’s energy system, continued investment in emerging sectors and technologies—liquefied natural gas (LNG), low-carbon hydrogen, biomass-based fuels and carbon capture and storage (CCS)—is creating new opportunities and shaping future workforce needs.
Emerging energy sectors and new technology creates new career pathways
At the same time, technology adoption, automation and industry consolidation are transforming how work is done. Productivity gains are enabling companies to produce more energy with fewer workers overall, while increasing complexity is driving demand for new and evolving skills across 81 occupations spanning engineering, skilled trades, field operations, and business and technical roles.
Labour and/or skills shortages for some occupations are projected to emerge as early as 2027, particularly in drilling, servicing and field operations, engineering, facility operations, trades, and transport and heavy equipment operator roles.
“The oil and gas sector is one of the highest-productivity industries in Canada,” says Kevin Krausert, CEO and Co-Founder of Avatar Innovations. “At a time when Canada is asked to step up as a global energy supplier, the workforce behind that ambition is stretched thin. This report makes clear that the skills shortages are real and coming fast. Canada’s energy sector is ready to hire, and any additional investment in our energy sector will directly result in safe jobs, innovation and productivity.”
Energy jobs remain among the highest quality in Canada, with average total compensation more than double the national average, along with strong benefits and high-quality career opportunities.
Planning today for tomorrow’s workforce
The outlook underscores the importance of coordinated workforce planning, training and upskilling to ensure Canada can attract and retain the talent required to support both established and emerging energy sectors.
“The National Labour Market Outlook helps shape our path forward in the industry,” says Lisa Stephenson, Director of Industry Impact & Development at Energy Safety Canada. “By planning ahead, we can build the workforce needed to support Canada’s energy future and create lasting career opportunities in the sector.”
This outlook was funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.
About Careers in Energy
Careers in Energy (CIE), a division of Energy Safety Canada, is Canada’s trusted source of labour market intelligence, workforce trends and career resources for the energy industry. CIE supports employers, jobs seekers, career practitioners, educators and policymakers by providing evidence-based forecasts, insights and practical tools that inform workforce planning and career decision making.
About Energy Safety Canada
Energy Safety Canada (ESC) is the national safety association for Canada’s energy sector. For more than 75 years, ESC has partnered with industry to advance safety performance through training, data, certifications, and shared best practices—supporting a culture of continuous improvement and worker protection.
Media Contact:
Jordan Ignacio, Communications Coordinator, Energy Safety Canada
[email protected]