To ensure the current and future stability of the supply of electricity, it is critical that industry, education and training institutions, regulatory authorities and policy makers have an in-depth understanding of the human resource challenges that can affect the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. An adequate pool of trained and experienced workers is of utmost importance in terms of ensuring the long-term stability of Canada's electricity supply.
To meet these project objectives, the research team adopted a comprehensive approach based on the synthesis of information obtained through a range of activities including an extensive literature review, national surveys, informational interviews and a review of secondary data available from Statistics Canada (including data on college, university and apprenticeship completion/graduation).
The results of this study should be viewed with reasonable confidence, given the participation rates for the employer survey, and more importantly, the number of employees in the electricity industry represented by survey respondents. This report relies upon primary research as well as extensive use of published secondary data sources. The use of these "multiple lines of evidence" help ensure that the report and recommendations reflect the input of industry and educational stakeholders, as well as published research on the industry.
Research Methods Employed:
A Survey of Employers Engaged in the Electricity Sector - Employers engaged in the Electricity Sector were classified as such if all or part of their business involves electricity generation, transmission or distribution. Employers were classified as either large employers or small/ medium employers. Employers were included in the sample if their primary business was either the generation, transmission and/or distribution of electricity, or if part of their operations involved the generation, transmission or distribution of electricity.
A Survey of Education and Training Institutions - Education and Training Institutions that offer courses or programs related to the electricity industry comprised the sample for this on-line survey. Institutions were classified as either universities, colleges, university-colleges, or technical institutes.
Key Informant Interviews - Key Informants were representatives from the educational and training institutions. The key informant was a person who was knowledgeable about the programs and courses offered by their institution that relate to the electricity industry. Key informants were usually program or department heads, or held positions as academic chairs in programs related to the industry.
Secondary Research including a review of existing literature and statistical databases, as well as analysis of Statistics Canada data on graduation from college and university programs related to the electricity industry, and analysis of data on the number of registrants and completions in apprenticeships related to the electricity industry. Statistics Canada data was accessed including data from the 2006 Census, Labour Force Survey, as well as information from the Survey of Employment, Payroll and Hours (SEPH).