Ontario’s renewable energy sector may soon face a shortage of qualified labour, prompting renewed focus on green job training, solar job preparation, and PV installation classes in the province.
Government and solar training industry leaders have already identified potential labour shortages in Ontario. New federal and provincial regulations, recently announced funding initiatives, and ramped-up interest in renewable energy all point to a potential boom in demand for skilled solar professionals. Sector leaders such as the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) and the Electricity Sector Council, have begun researching market trends so that green job training providers can respond appropriately.
Tracking Green Job Demand Is Key to Planning
CanSIA and the Electricity Sector Council have developed a database of information based on feedback collected from solar industry members. The idea is to maintain a single source of reliable data, including labour demand forecasts, so that training, job preparation, and solar installation classes can effectively meet the need for green-trained workers in the province.
The three-year database project will assess human resources figures, trends, and influences on the green energy sector. According to the association’s Web site, “CanSIA wants to ensure that appropriate education and training programs will be in place to support the industry in the years to come.”
Initial results show significant growth in the number of full-time equivalent positions to be available by the end of next year. Solar jobs showed a remarkable resilience to downward economic cycles, according to the solar industry study.
Will Solar Job Training Keep up with Demand?
Of the companies surveyed for the recent study, 75% noted they are already experiencing a shortage of trained workers, particularly in solar installation. More than half reported they anticipate labour shortages within the next year.
To mitigate the effects of future labour forecasts, the industry has recommended incorporating solar job preparation into university and college curricula and establishing national certification guidelines for solar installers and green job training providers. Apprentice programs are also among the industry’s suggestions to ensure that Canada’s renewable energy industry is adequately staffed in the coming decade.
