Canada’s oil and gas industry is encountering a significant hiring dilemma. By 2035, the sector is projected to require approximately 72,000 workers, primarily to fill vacancies left by retiring staff, as indicated in a recent study by Careers in Energy, a division of Energy Safety Canada. Should major energy projects such as pipelines proceed in the upcoming years, the demand could surge to well over 100,000 positions.
This surge in job opportunities comes amidst economic challenges and uncertainties in various sectors due to U.S. tariffs and the integration of artificial intelligence. Although the country is currently facing a tough job market, particularly for young individuals, the oil and gas sector offers lucrative positions ranging from welders and mechanics to salespeople and engineers. However, some roles may entail working in remote areas, which may not appeal to all job seekers.
Lisa Stephenson, the director of Careers in Energy, emphasized the growing need for tradespeople, engineers, and technical workers in the evolving energy sector. The impending labor shortage in the oilpatch, expected to start around 2027 as retirements accelerate, could hinder Canada’s ambition to be a reliable global source of oil and gas, striving to become an energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy.
In 2025, Canada’s oilpatch directly employed 192,500 individuals, with projections indicating an increase to 210,900 jobs by 2035. According to Careers in Energy, for every $1 billion invested in energy infrastructure projects, the economy generates 5,400 jobs.
Joshua Anhalt, CEO of MBrace Energy in Calgary, highlighted the industry’s resilience to automation, emphasizing the ongoing need for human intervention in various roles. Despite challenges faced by young Canadians in securing employment, there are opportunities in the oil and gas sector, where jobs remain less susceptible to automation compared to other industries.
Although the sector offers competitive wages, averaging over $170,000 in 2024, attracting younger talent has been challenging due to concerns about remote work, work-life balance, and the industry’s environmental impact. However, individuals like Kent Swanlund, who transitioned from working as a chemical engineer in the oilpatch to managing a startup focused on sustainable technologies, showcase the industry’s potential for diverse career paths and innovation.
The energy sector’s responsiveness to climate considerations and evolving technologies is increasingly attracting individuals like Aleisha Cerny, co-founder of Serenity Power, a company developing fuel-cell technology for more efficient electricity generation. Cerny’s journey from climate activism to working in the energy sector reflects a broader trend of individuals seeking opportunities to contribute to sustainable solutions within the industry.
Warren Mabee from Queen’s University emphasized the importance of aligning industry values with those of young Canadians amidst growing environmental concerns. The evolving energy landscape presents opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and contribution to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Overall, the oil and gas sector in Canada faces a crucial juncture in addressing its hiring needs, attracting diverse talent, and aligning with evolving market demands and environmental imperatives.