Electricity
The electricity sector consists of companies that are involved in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Their work provides essential power for homes and businesses across the country, fuelling everything from light bulbs and refrigerators to water treatment plants and factory assembly lines.
The electricity sector is continually evolving. Further changes are expected as demand for power continues to grow, and more consumers seek “green” electricity (electricity generated from environmentally-friendly sources). The sector is also implementing “intelligent” energy transmission systems that use automation to transmit and distribute electricity more efficiently.
Working in the Electricity Sector
The electricity sector offers careers with job security, competitive compensation, and opportunities for advancement. Worker satisfaction is high and reflected in the industry’s excellent employee retention rates. Companies pay close attention to work safety in all areas.
Workplaces are diverse and include outdoor and indoor settings, and rural areas and bustling cities.
Occupations in the sector are involved in fields such as design, research, equipment installation, plant and machinery operation, maintenance and repair, occupational safety, project management, financial analysis and customer service.
Examples of occupations include:
- instrumentation and control technicians
- geothermal installers
- wind turbine technicians
- photovoltaic designers
- project managers
- generation technicians
- truck technicians
- power line and cable technicians
- industrial or construction electricians
- power plant and system operators
- arborists
- engineers (nuclear, electrical and electronic, mechanical, civil and stationary/power)
- electrical engineering technologists
- mechanical maintainers
- auxiliary equipment operators
- millwrights
- utilities managers.
The sector also has financial and administrative occupations such as accountants, information systems analysts and consultants, and customer service clerks.
Skills & Training
At a minimum, jobs in the sector require a high school diploma or completion of a four-year apprenticeship. Most positions need post-secondary education. Over a hundred Canadian universities and colleges offer programs in engineering and related fields.
Certification as a professional engineer, technician, or technologist is required or recommended for some occupations.