Canada’s oil and gas industry is encountering a significant hiring obstacle as it seeks to fill around 72,000 positions by 2035, primarily to replace retiring staff, as indicated in a recent report by Careers in Energy, a segment of Energy Safety Canada. The demand for workers could surpass 100,000 if major energy projects like pipelines advance in the coming years.
Despite economic challenges and uncertainties in various sectors due to factors such as U.S. tariffs and artificial intelligence impacts, there is a surge in hiring opportunities within the oil and gas sector. This surge comes at a time when Canada is facing a tough job market for young people. The industry offers well-paying roles ranging from welders and mechanics to salespersons and engineers, although some positions may entail working in remote areas, which may not appeal to all job seekers.
Lisa Stephenson, Director of Careers in Energy, emphasized the growing and evolving nature of the energy sector, underscoring the imminent need for tradespeople, engineers, and technical workers who will be highly sought after.
The labor shortage in the oilpatch is predicted to commence around 2027 as retirements accelerate. Stephenson warned that without an adequate workforce, Canada might struggle to fulfill its aspirations of being a dependable global source of oil and gas and establishing itself as an energy superpower in both clean and traditional energy sectors.
In 2025, Canada’s oilpatch directly employed 192,500 individuals, and this number is anticipated to reach 210,900 by 2035. According to Careers in Energy, for every $1 billion spent on developing energy infrastructure projects, 5,400 jobs are created across the economy.
While some sectors face challenges in attracting younger talent, the energy industry offers higher salaries, averaging over $170,000 in 2024, more than double the national average. Starting a career in the energy sector can pave the way for diverse opportunities beyond the industry itself.
The industry’s boom-and-bust cycles due to volatile commodity prices pose challenges, leading to fluctuations in student enrolment in oil and gas-related programs at colleges and universities. However, student interest has surged in recent years, prompting the revival of some previously discontinued programs.
Individuals like Aleisha Cerny, a co-founder of Serenity Power, have found innovative ways to contribute to the sector. Cerny’s company is developing fuel-cell technology to enhance electricity generation efficiency, catering to remote industrial facilities. Her experience underscores the industry’s evolution towards cleaner technologies and the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change.
As the energy sector advances with evolving infrastructure and technology, Warren Mabee from Queen’s University emphasizes the need for the industry to align with younger workers’ values. Many young Canadians seek to contribute to solutions to environmental challenges while recognizing the sector’s crucial role in the country’s economy and the impact of technology on reshaping the industry.