Training & education for renewable energy and energy efficiency has been in catch up mode, as the different sustainable energy sectors take off in Canada. Now, a number of Canadian schools are offering 1 to 3 year programs in renewable energy, green building, and energy management specializations.
Bringing these options together under one roof makes it easier to compare and consider them, and the BC Sustainable Energy Association, in partnership with a BC green energy promotions and recruiting firm, has launched http://www.cleanenergyclassrooms. The online information resource lists post-secondary programs, government initiatives, First Nations options in clean energy, as well as select NGOs dealing with green energy.
The need for qualified people is being felt by many industries, and in an emerging field like renewable energy, this factor can be even harder to deal with. Currently, employers are already reporting challenges in filling their vacancies. If renewable energy continues to establish itself as the preferred power source in a world fighting both climate change and high oil and gas prices, personnel pressures will likely become more serious.
