It’s no secret that the climate emergency is such that we need to shift gears now. The study unveiled by EnviroCompétences, a sector-based environmental labor committee, is clear: to electrify our network, convert our energy, sustainably develop our territories or optimize the management of residual materials, we will need workers who have the necessary know-how.
Adapting to this new reality is what the Government of Quebec has committed to accomplishing by adopting its Plan for a greener economy by 2030. If this commitment is commendable, succeeding in the bet of the green transition in Quebec has not been done.
By 2030, the green transition will generate significant job growth in Quebec. What was great news for a long time is now cause for concern. All sectors of the economy are on their last legs and are struggling to simply maintain their activities due to this unprecedented labor shortage. If no one has the skills to set up and operate new technologies and practices, the green transition will be in jeopardy. Collectively, we cannot afford such a failure.
Transition for all
The green transition goes far beyond job creation: the challenge of the complete transformation of trades is also daunting. “Green skills” will no longer be limited to only “green jobs”. Examples abound: mechanics will have to learn to work with new propulsion systems, such as lithium batteries, construction workers will have to acquire skills for the installation of new types of heating and cooling systems less energy-intensive, while those who work in the management of residual materials will have to continue to train in symbiosis with the development of the circular economy and its imperatives.
Collective challenge
This crucial period of transformation requires concerted efforts to adapt the labor market to the needs of industry and society in general. Workers will need to acquire new skills to adapt to new professions, while employers will need to invest in training and skills development to meet the challenges of the energy transition.
Governments, employers, trade unions and citizens must work together to meet the challenge of the green transition. Quebec must be ready to take up this challenge collectively to succeed in the energy transition bet. Worry must become enthusiasm. Developing the tools to fully understand the labor market, facilitate mobility and have a “workforce reflex” to any program or measure put in place must begin today.
Photo courtesy of EnviroCompétences
Dominique Dodier, Managing Director of EnviroCompétences