How to Begin a Career in Renewable Energy Sector
Want to pursue a renewable energy career?
You are in the right place.
Renewable energy is energy derived from renewable resources that are replenished naturally.
Renewable energy careers are some of the most rewarding and in-demand jobs out there. With the world increasingly moving towards sustainable energy sources, there has never been a better time to consider a career in renewable energy.
There are many different types of renewable energy careers, from solar and wind energy to hydroelectric and biomass. No matter what your skillset or interests, there is likely a renewable energy career that’s perfect for you.
This article will discuss the steps you need to take to get a job in the renewable energy sector in Canada. Furthermore, we will also tell you about the educational requirements and the average annual salaries in the renewable energy industry.
So without further ado, let’s get started.
Steps to Start a Career in the Renewable Energy Sector
Here are the 6 steps that you can follow to begin a career in renewable energy sector:
- Determine your areas of interest
- Review your resume and make necessary changes
- Engage in an internship or apprenticeship program
- Volunteer at renewable energy organizations
- Obtain specialized training
- Establish relationships with other professionals
1. Determine your areas of interest
There are various job paths accessible in renewable energy. Even though you might always switch roles afterward in your renewable energy career, consider exploring the field and selecting the route that looks the most intriguing to you. If you can limit the available employment opportunities, you may be more strategic about your schooling, training, and voluntary work.
2. Review your resume and make necessary changes
Your resume portrays your educational background, employment history, skills, and achievements that make you eligible for the job role. The recruitment team may assess your application materials and decide whether or not to approach you to conduct an interview with you. To be considered for a job in renewable energy, the resume you submit must cover all of the pertinent information about you. So, compare your resume and the job requirements – it will help verify that you’re adding all the details that the recruitment teams or employers are looking for in the resume.
3. Engage in an internship or apprenticeship program
Because this sector is always looking for extra manpower due to huge demand, energy is certainly a good career path to pursue. An internship or apprenticeship program can provide you with the necessary professional experience. By getting engaged in such a program, you can obtain experience, execute the project, interact with professionals in the industry, and discover more about your selected job role in renewable energy. What’s more? If your performance captivates your boss, they might also offer you to join the company on a full-time basis!
4. Volunteer at renewable energy organizations
Volunteering permits you to make a difference in the field you’re most interested in before starting to work in it. Taking on volunteer work has several advantages, one of which is the opportunity to network with professionals in the industry who may be capable of assisting you with your job hunt. Moreover, it enables you to gain more hands-on experience in the field.
5. Obtain specialized training
Numerous alternative energy jobs involve on-the-job training, particularly if you want to progress through a more technical position. Research courses and other training opportunities to see whether they can equip you with the experience and competencies you need to excel in your desired field. Even if you’re currently employed, you might be able to find opportunities that best suit your routine. You can also showcase that you have attended training to a potential employer, enabling you to stand out as an applicant.
6. Establish relationships with other professionals
Search for opportunities to connect with other practitioners in the industry. The following strategies can be used to accomplish this:
- Attending meetings and events.
- Reading and leaving comments on industry articles written by experts.
- Attending industry roundtables.
- Participating in seminars.
You may be able to learn from those you meet and receive guidance, support, and motivation to follow your professional path. Furthermore, they may also introduce you to recruitment managers for entry-level jobs in renewable energy.
Educational Requirements in the Renewable Energy Sector
Although obtaining a bachelor’s degree is not required for several renewable energy careers.
But:
If you desire to get a job role in a specialized field.
Then:
You should consider earning a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
Depending on the field you’re interested in, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in one of these subjects:
- Bioinformatics
- Chemistry
- Environmental Sciences – (Careers In Environmental Sciences)
- Chemical Engineering
Acquiring an appropriate degree will set you apart from other applicants applying for the same job position as you.
Furthermore:
If you wish to go even beyond, you can also attain some graduate certifications. Certifications will help you learn more about topics such as:
- Power Systems
- Sustainability
- The environment
- Green Energy
Average Salary in the Renewable Energy Industry in Canada
The average renewable energy career salary is CAD 77,500 per year in Canada, translating to CAD 39.74 per hour.
Entry-level renewable energy jobs in Canada have a starting salary of CAD 54,441 per year or CAD 27.92 per hour. On the other hand, the most experienced alternative energy job positions can earn up to CAD 190,324 per year or CAD 97.60 per hour.
Following are the average annual salaries of jobs in renewable energy in different provinces of Canada:
Name of Province: Yukon
Average Annual Salary: CAD 78, 246
Name of Province: British Columbia
Average Annual Salary: CAD 114, 447
Name of Province: Alberta
Average Annual Salary: CAD 126,000
Name of Province: Quebec
Average Annual Salary: CAD 71,122
Name of Province: Saskatchewan
Average Annual Salary: CAD 64, 250
Name of Province: Ontario
Average Annual Salary: CAD 79, 568
Name of Province: Manitoba
Average Annual Salary: CAD 60, 000
Name of Province: Nova Scotia
Average Annual Salary: CAD 78, 350
Name of Province: New Brunswick
Average Annual Salary: CAD 61, 849
Renewable Energy Jobs in Canada
Following are the most popular renewable energy jobs in Canada:
- Renewable Energy Estimator
- Electrical Engineer
- Wind Technician
- Renewable Energy Lead
- Solar Technician
- Technical Project Manager
- Principal Renewable Energy Consultant
- VP Investor Relations
- Technical Support Representative
- Warehouse Associate
- Solar Energy Advisor
- Senior Energy Storage Associate
- Renewables Analyst
- Renewables Laborers – (Renewable Energy jobs in Calgary)
Frequently Asked Questions:
1- What degree is best for renewable energy?
In order to pursue a career in renewable energy, a bachelor’s degree in chemistry is one of the most advantageous educational choices. Typically, four years are required to complete this degree. Apart from that, you can also consider pursuing a degree in biochemistry, chemical engineering, bioinformatics, or forensic science.
2- Is renewable energy a good career choice in Canada?
Despite the fact that it is evolving, renewable energy continues to be a good career option in Canada. Green energy projects are being supported by the Canadian government and organizations, resulting in an increased demand for competent professionals in this field.
Currently, the renewable energy sector in Canada employs 148,000 professionals, most of whom work in areas such as energy management, energy conservation, and energy efficiency.
3- Do renewable energy jobs pay well?
Of course, they do. With the rise in the price of oil and natural gas, renewable energy is gradually taking over as our primary energy source. That’s why it is becoming one of the highest-paying careers as well.
The renewable energy industry is skyrocketing due to government initiatives and individual discoveries. As an engineer, you could earn up to CAD 70,000 a year on average.
Conclusion:
It is not as complicated as it appears to kickstart a renewable energy career. You can land your dream job if you’re clear about the specification of a specific position you’re interested in such as how much it pays, what perks you will get, how many hours you need to put in, and so on and so forth. Once you’ve done that, it’ll be smoother for you to devise a strategy for expanding your credentials and gearing up for your preferred job in renewable energy.
The Primus Workforce team is proudly built on hands-on industry knowledge and experience.