Canada’s oil and gas industry is encountering a significant recruitment obstacle. By 2035, approximately 72,000 workers will be required, primarily to fill positions left by retiring staff, according to a recent report by Careers in Energy, a division of Energy Safety Canada. This figure could surpass 100,000 if major energy projects such as pipelines advance in the upcoming years. The surge in job opportunities coincides with economic challenges and uncertainty in various sectors due to factors like U.S. tariffs and artificial intelligence.
Despite a tough job market for young individuals, the oilpatch offers lucrative positions ranging from welders and mechanics to salespeople and engineers. However, some roles may entail working in remote locations, making them less appealing to all job seekers. Lisa Stephenson, Director of Careers in Energy, emphasized the growing demand for trades, engineers, and technical workers in the evolving energy sector.
The labor shortage in the oilpatch is anticipated to commence around 2027 as retirements accelerate. Stephenson warned that insufficient workforce could hinder Canada’s goal of being a dependable global energy source, both in clean and conventional energy. In 2025, Canada’s oilpatch directly employed 192,500 individuals, with projections indicating employment reaching 210,900 by 2035.
While many industries face automation challenges, Joshua Anhalt, CEO of MBrace Energy in Calgary, highlighted the difficulty in automating many energy sector jobs, emphasizing the continued need for human expertise. Despite a decrease in youth unemployment, attracting younger talent to the energy sector remains a struggle.
The industry’s appeal to the younger demographic is hampered by concerns over remote work, work-life balance, and environmental perceptions. Despite offering above-average salaries – averaging over $170,000 in 2024, double the national average – the sector faces difficulties in attracting new talent. However, starting a career in energy can lead to diverse opportunities beyond the industry itself, as demonstrated by individuals like Kent Swanlund, who transitioned from the oilpatch to a successful startup in the beer industry.
Amidst shifting perspectives on climate and energy, individuals like Aleisha Cerny are redefining the sector’s narrative. Co-founder of Serenity Power, Cerny’s company focuses on fuel-cell technology to enhance electricity generation efficiency for remote facilities, bridging the gap between renewable energy passion and industry participation.
Young Canadians seek alignment between their values and career choices, prompting a closer examination of how the energy sector contributes to environmental solutions. Moreover, the industry’s role in Canada’s economy and the influence of technology on its evolution are factors attracting younger workers to consider energy careers.
