The Newfoundland and Labrador government will spend nearly $2 million over two years to prepare workers for jobs in the province’s growing clean energy sector.
Minister of Jobs, Immigration and Growth Gerry Byrne announced the $1,990,000 investment Monday to support econext’s workforce development project focused on wind, hydrogen, hydroelectric power and bioeconomy industries. The federal-provincial Labour Market Development Agreement provides the funding.
The Accelerating Clean Growth project launched in 2023 with partners including College of the North Atlantic, Memorial University and Trades NL. This latest phase aims to keep skilled workers in the province while providing training programs that match industry needs.
Building on existing strengths
Newfoundland and Labrador workers have experience with large-scale construction, fabrication and operation of energy projects in harsh conditions. The new funding builds on those skills by targeting emerging renewable energy sectors expected to create significant employment opportunities.
The project will continue promoting the Green Job Bank, an online platform that connects employers with workers in the province’s green economy. The initiative also includes employer education on inclusive hiring practices and training programs to help experienced workers adapt to new industry requirements.
Supporting government energy plans
The workforce development project supports two key provincial strategies: the Renewable Energy Plan and the Hydrogen Development Action Plan. Both documents identify skilled labour as essential for capitalizing on clean energy opportunities.
“By investing in projects like this, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable economy that creates good jobs and helps grow our clean energy sector,” Byrne said. “This project supports skills training, innovation and worker retention, which helps ensure our workforce has the skills needed to capitalize on the clean energy opportunities that lie ahead.”
Economic diversification focus
Industry, Energy and Technology Minister Steve Crocker said the investment ensures local workers benefit from renewable energy development in the province.
“As emerging clean energy industries develop here in Newfoundland and Labrador, our government is focused on maximizing benefits to the people of the province, which includes ensuring our workers are ready to participate in renewable energy projects,” Crocker said. “This investment will help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians obtain the skills they need to thrive in the new green economy.”
Industry partnership approach
Econext CEO Kieran Hanley said the province’s green economy is ready for major growth, particularly in wind-to-hydrogen production and electricity grid expansion.
“From our emerging wind-to-hydrogen industry to the expansion of our electricity grid, making sure we have the workers in place with the right skills will be a key success factor,” Hanley said. “We are appreciative of the Provincial Government’s support of our efforts and look forward to doing our part — in collaboration with our partners in public, private, academic sectors — to prepare the workforce for the exciting opportunities ahead.”
