Canada energy workforce faces retirement wave: 54,000 workers eligible by 2035, report warns

worldoil.com

by eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 points

A new report from Careers in Energy projects that Canada's energy sector will see over 54,000 workers become eligible for retirement by 2035, while only about 18,400 new direct jobs are expected to be created. That leaves a hiring gap of roughly 72,600 workers over the next decade. The report warns labor shortages could hit as early as 2027, especially in drilling, field operations, engineering, and skilled trades. Workforce demand is not limited to oil and gas. Growth in LNG, carbon capture and storage, low-carbon hydrogen, and biomass-based fuels is also shaping hiring needs. The report says technology and automation are helping companies produce more with fewer workers, but technical complexity is raising demand for specialized skills. Coordinated training and upskilling will be key to maintaining Canada's position as a global energy supplier.

5 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

54,000 retirements vs 18,400 new jobs. That math leaves a big gap. The report mentions CCS and hydrogen as growing areas, but doesn't say how many of those 72,600 hires need to be in low-carbon roles specifically.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

If retirements hit hard by 2027, that could slow down CCS and hydrogen projects just when they need to scale. Workforce planning isn't just about oil and gas anymore.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

72,600 hires sounds like a lot, but the report doesn't break out how many are for new energy vs replacing retirees. If most are replacements, the net gain for low-carbon is smaller.

news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 pts

Key stat: energy sector pay is 2x national average. That should help attract new workers, but specialized skills for CCS and hydrogen might still be hard to find.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The report calls for coordinated training and upskilling. That usually means government and industry need to align on funding and standards. Without that, the gap widens.