Canada’s oil and gas industry is encountering a significant recruitment hurdle. A recent report by Careers in Energy, a branch of Energy Safety Canada, reveals that approximately 72,000 workers will be required by 2035, primarily to fill positions vacated by retiring personnel. This figure could surpass 100,000 if major energy projects such as pipelines proceed in the near future.
This surge in job opportunities coincides with economic challenges and uncertainties in various sectors due to factors like U.S. tariffs and the rise of artificial intelligence. While the country is facing a tough job market for young individuals, the oil sector presents lucrative positions ranging from welders and mechanics to sales staff and engineers. Nevertheless, some roles mandate work in remote areas, which may not appeal to all job seekers.
Lisa Stephenson, the Director of Careers in Energy, emphasized the growing demand for tradespeople, engineers, and technical workers in the evolving energy sector. The industry foresees a labor shortage by 2027 as retirements accelerate. Stephenson warned that insufficient workforce may hinder Canada’s goal of becoming a reliable global source of oil and gas.
In 2025, Canada’s oil sector employed 192,500 individuals, with projections indicating a rise to 210,900 by 2035. Careers in Energy highlights that for every $1 billion invested in energy infrastructure projects, 5,400 jobs are generated across the economy.
Joshua Anhalt, CEO of MBrace Energy, noted the industry’s resistance to automation, emphasizing the necessity for human involvement in complex tasks. This aspect presents an advantage in a market where many young Canadians struggle to secure employment.
While the industry offers high salaries, averaging over $170,000 in 2024, attracting younger talent remains a challenge due to concerns about remote work, work-life balance, and environmental issues. However, the industry’s diverse opportunities can lead to career advancements beyond the sector, as seen in the transition of professionals like Kent Swanlund, who now manages a startup utilizing skills acquired in the oil sector.
Some colleges and universities have reinstated oil and gas-related programs as student interest grows. Aleisha Cerny, co-founder of Serenity Power, highlights the shift from being a climate activist to developing fuel-cell technology for more efficient electricity generation in industrial settings.
The industry’s ability to align with values and contribute to solutions for environmental challenges is crucial for attracting younger workers. Warren Mabee, from Queen’s University, emphasized that young Canadians seek roles that align with their values while acknowledging the sector’s significance to the country’s economy and the evolving technological landscape.