Canada’s oil and gas industry is encountering a significant recruitment challenge. A recent report by Careers in Energy, a division of Energy Safety Canada, indicates that approximately 72,000 workers will be required by 2035, mainly to fill positions left vacant by retiring staff. However, this number could surpass 100,000 if large energy projects such as pipelines progress in the upcoming years.
This surge in job openings coincides with economic struggles and uncertainty in various sectors due to factors like U.S. tariffs and the rise of artificial intelligence. While Canada faces a tough job market for young individuals, the oilpatch offers lucrative opportunities across different roles like welders, mechanics, salespersons, and engineers. Yet, some roles may demand working in remote areas, deterring some job seekers from pursuing careers in oil and gas.
Lisa Stephenson, the director of Careers in Energy, highlighted the growing demand for tradespeople, engineers, and technical workers in the energy sector. She emphasized that the looming labor shortage is expected to commence around 2027 as retirements escalate. Without an adequate workforce, Canada might struggle to achieve its goal of being a dependable global source of oil and gas, aiming to establish itself as an energy superpower in clean and conventional energy.
In 2025, Canada’s oilpatch directly employed 192,500 individuals, with projections indicating an increase to 210,900 employees by 2035. According to Careers in Energy, every $1 billion invested in energy infrastructure projects generates around 5,400 jobs across the economy.
Joshua Anhalt, CEO of MBrace Energy in Calgary, highlighted the industry’s advantage in having jobs that are not easily automated. He emphasized the need for human expertise in tasks that machines cannot efficiently handle, underscoring the value of manual skills in the sector.
While the unemployment rate for Canadians aged 15 to 24 decreased to 13.4% in May, it still remains double the national average. This disparity reflects the challenges young job seekers face in entering the workforce. The energy sector’s struggle to attract younger talent is partly due to concerns about remote work, work-life balance, and environmental perceptions of the industry.
Despite the industry offering higher-than-average salaries, averaging over $170,000 in 2024, some individuals, like Kent Swanlund, found their start in the oilpatch before transitioning to other industries. Swanlund’s experience in the energy sector equipped him with the skills needed to establish CO2Brew, a startup focusing on carbon capture technology for breweries.
The evolving landscape of the energy sector presents diverse career paths, as seen with individuals like Aleisha Cerny. Initially a climate activist, Cerny delved into materials engineering to develop fuel-cell technology for more efficient electricity generation. Her journey highlights the sector’s potential for innovation and sustainability, attracting individuals seeking to make a positive impact.
Warren Mabee, from Queen’s University, emphasized the importance of aligning industry values with those of younger workers, particularly in addressing climate concerns and fostering technological advancements. As the energy sector evolves, opportunities for collaboration and contribution to solutions entice young Canadians to explore careers in the industry.
