Canada’s energy transition needs a more diverse workforce

While Canada’s clean energy sector is expected to grow in the coming years, the workforce remains persistently inequitable. (Unsplash/Pramod Tiwari) Canada’s energy transition needs a more diverse workforce Published: August 3, 2026 7.25am EDT Share article Print article Canada’s transition to a low-carbon energy system is creating one of the fastest-growing labour markets in the country. Yet despite strong job growth projections, a predicted workforce shortfall looms in a sector where salaries often surpass average earnings. One reason is that the clean energy workforce remains persistently inequitable. Women and other equity-seeking groups are underrepresented, while worker shortages in engineering, trades and digital innovation constrain the sector’s growth. Our recently published study took a deeper dive into the lived experiences of gender-diverse students in trade school, college, university and micro-credential courses who want to work in the energy sector. We analyzed 119 applications to a grant program run by the Trellis Fund for students who self-identify as women, non-binary or LGBTQ+ and are studying to play a role in the clean energy transition. The Trellis Fund is an organization aimed at improving equity, diversity and inclusion in the renewable energy and infrastructure sector. The grant program’s application included open-ended questions that enabled applicants to reflect on their motivations, career goals, anticipated barriers and their intended use of the bursary. By learning from the lived experiences of qualified applicants who wish to be the next generation of clean energy professionals, Canada can build not only a larger low-carbon energy workforce, but a more just, representative and resilient one. Why do this research? Women and other equity-seeking groups continue to be under-represented, particularly in technical, leadership and decision-making roles. (Unsplash/ThisisEngineering) The number of jobs in the electricity and renewable energy sectors is growing. Under a net-zero scenario, Canada’s low-carbon energy workforce is projected to grow from 500,000 in 2025 to 2.7 million by 2050. However, a workforce shortage is predicted, with close to 28,000 new employees needed between 2023 and 2028. Many people who want these jobs are being left out. Women and other equity-seeking groups — including Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, newcomers to Canada, young people and LGBTQ+ individuals — continue to be…