If you or someone you know is looking to transition to, or start a career in renewable energy, then this article is for you!
The renewable energy industry is growing steadily in Canada. Clean Energy Canada (cleanenergycanada.org) indicates that there will be 639,200 clean energy jobs in Canada by 2030, up from 430,500 in 2020. That would be a huge boost to the job market if this holds true! Their estimates are based on The New Reality report they released in June 2021. Blue Harp Consulting is not commenting on the validity or assumptions of their report in this article.
It doesn’t really take a report to see the growth in jobs in the renewables industry. All it takes is to scan the current job market to see all the companies’ hiring positions related to renewable energy. Different situations are discussed below for those who are trying to figure out how to get hired in the renewables industry. Our intent is to help provide some advice from the perspective of the industry to help individuals increase their chances of successfully gaining employment in the renewable energy industry.
Situation 1 – The Transition from Energy Sector to Renewables
If you are transitioning from a career or job in the energy sector (such as oil, gas, or coal) to renewables you may have a solid advantage over those who are new to the energy sector. There are many similarities between fossil fuel jobs and renewable energy jobs. Renewable energy is in the energy sector after all. There are require skilled labour, engineers, planners, land agents, equipment supplies, accounting and financial managers, lawyers and many more.
If you find yourself in this situation, the key for you will be to figure out how you can use this advantage to put yourself in a position to be a leading candidate for a job.
One advantage is that you most likely already have built up knowledge of the energy sector. For example, if you’re been in a role in maintenance of a coal facility or have been involved in power marketing, you will be setup to bring your skills to a related job in renewable energy.
Another advantage is that you may already work for a company that is active in the renewable energy industry. If this is the case it might be worthwhile to ask your employer if they would be able to support you in transitioning to a new position in the company that aligns with your goals of working in renewable energy.
Pitching a job to an employer could be another route. If you believe you have the necessary skills to add immediate impact to a renewable energy company, they might very well appreciate the initiative. Renewable energy companies are very busy and often can’t keep pace with hiring so if an experienced energy industry person comes their way and pitches their own role, it might very well lead to a job.
Situation 2 – The Transition from an unrelated industry to Renewables
Many types of jobs have highly transferable skills to other types of jobs, regardless of the industry. Renewable energy companies in Canada have a history of hiring those with experience in the industry already, however with the growing number of jobs needing to be filled, newcomers will be relied on more to bring their unique skills and talent.
If you are looking to enter a specific area in the renewables sector, such as: working as a technician, or working in community relations, or designing renewable energy systems, then it would be important for you to research what companies offer those services/products.
If you are looking to simply enter the renewable energy industry in any facet, then your options are broader. An important consideration for you is to determine where your skills would be best suited in a new or established renewable energy company.
There are also some post-secondary institutions that have programs that help train for roles in the renewable energy industry. If transitioning to a new industry is your goal, then keeping an open mind in the role you take is critical in beginning your transition quickly.
Situation 3 – Starting a new career in Renewables, from school or for new Canadians
Starting a new career is nerve racking to say the least. If you are a recent post-secondary education graduate, high school graduate, or a new Canadian who is looking to start a career in a new country and have goals to get a job in renewable energy then please consider these tips:
- Narrow in on what role or type of role you would like.
- Consider the entire supply chain in the renewable energy industry.
- Use LinkedIn and other social medias to connect to employees at companies you might want to work with. You’ll need to be straight to the point on why you are reaching out to a stranger and you may need to reach out to many people to find someone who can help you.
- Find a recruiter in your geographical area who may be experienced in hiring for renewable energy companies and see if they can help you.
- Consider working part-time to get your foot in the door.
- For those who are more entrepreneurial, consider offering “services” to a renewable energy company via a business.
- Don’t forget to do your research! Make sure you understand the company you are trying to work for.
Our CEO’s Journey in Renewables
Dave Carscadden, Blue Harp Consulting’s founder shares his story below on his path in the renewable energy industry. Please feel free to reach out to him via www.blueharpconsulting.ca if you have questions or would like to learn more about how you can contribute to the renewable energy industry.
“I began my career in renewable energy working as a co-op student in 2011 for one of Ontario’s leading commercial solar developers. My role was to help the sales team by preparing sales proposals and to help the project manager apply for the IESO’s (Independent Electricity System Operator) feed-in-tariff program. What a learning experience this was and really got me interested in continuing to work in the renewable energy industry. Being a co-op student at the University of Waterloo really helped me to get great work experience.
In 2014, shortly after graduating, I began working in the residential solar industry in Ontario as a sales consultant and project manager. Over a period of 2 years, I worked at two different, residential and commercial solar companies in southwestern Ontario. I spent time physically building rooftop solar projects which really helped me to understand how projects were constructed and to help spot risks and opportunities which would later help me in sales. Despite having defined roles, I always made sure to get experience working outside my role to expand my understanding of solar energy.
In 2016, I made a slight pivot and began working in the utility scale industry for one of Canada’s leading renewable energy developers/independent power producers. It was here that I began to see the scale of projects and the growing interest in renewable energy that utilities across the world had, particularly in the United States. My career shifted from sales and project management roles to more focused on land development, project development, management, and commercial negotiations.
In late 2019 I made the decision to leave my job to begin a consulting company in early 2020. So, how can you make a career in renewable energy? Well, each person’s skill set and interests are different, but the renewable energy industry is not that different from any other industry in that there is a need for sales staff, accountants, lawyers, engineers, financial specialists, health and safety staff, technicians and many, many more roles.
As solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro energy combine to produce a growing percentage of Canada’s power lots of new jobs will be needed. My view is that there will be a growing need for more engineers, technicians and installers, project analysts and project managers to name the main areas of current and future need. Technology is playing a bigger role in renewable energy so those from the tech sector can definitely make an impact in the industry.
If you are thinking about a career in the industry but don’t know where to start feel free to send us an email and we would be happy to see if we can help you. At Blue Harp Consulting, we believe in working together to help build Canada’s renewable energy industry.
Depending on where you live and want to work, there are very likely some great resources for you to consider browsing to learn more and interact with those in the industry. Below are some associations in Canada that would be a great place to investigate. Note: we are not-affiliated with any of the below associations and are strictly providing some suggestions.”
Applicable Resources
1 – Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
Industry associations are a great place for those looking to find out more information about the industry they are interested in. The Canadian Renewable Energy Association is relatively new and was created as a merger between the solar and wind industry associations.
https://renewablesassociation.ca/
2 – Waterpower Canada
Hydro power is the oldest form of producing electricity and Canada is a world leader. The industry is generally made up of large corporations (including some crown corporations), but it would be worthwhile to explore their website if you are looking for a job in the renewable industry.
3 – Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA)
Geothermal energy is a growing area of renewable energy. Geothermal energy can produce baseload power (just like hydropower) and therefore it has high potential for future investment in the power sector. With similar techniques, equipment, and labour involved in geothermal as oil and gas, this area of renewables is ripe for those looking to transition from fossil fuels to renewables.
Curious how we can help your organization transition to renewable energy? Contact dcarscadden@blueharpconsulting.ca to discuss your organization’s needs.
Blue Harp Consulting
Founded in Calgary, Alberta in 2020, Blue Harp Consulting works with governments, financial institutions, First Nations, developers, and utilities on planning and implementing renewable energy and sustainability related projects across Canada. With experience on hundreds of renewable energy projects in Canada and North America we can quickly and efficiently advance projects through to implementation.
Blog written by: Dave Carscadden, CEO – Blue Harp Consulting
