Across its many networks and programs, the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC) engages with thousands of business owners, managers, and practitioners every year. One of their top problems? Not enough people to fill roles that will power the clean economy—from heat pump installers, to GHG accountants, to industrial electricians.

At the same time, survey data show that young people are hungry for good jobs that help reduce carbon pollution.

The Sustainable Workforce Coalition (SWC) is stepping in to fill this gap:

With funding from the Future Skills Centre (FSC), the SWC is undertaking a new research and prototyping project: Creating Real, Tangible Pathways into BC’s Clean Economy. This project will identify five high-impact clean economy jobs and develop clear, accessible guides to help workers understand how to enter these roles. The guides will outline necessary education, certifications, mentorship opportunities, and key sector insights.

The Future Skills Centre is a forward-thinking centre for research and collaboration dedicated to driving innovation in skills development so that everyone in Canada can be prepared for the future of work.

Jobs in the clean economy—designing, making, and installing products and services that significantly reduce or eliminate carbon pollution—have been growing at a strong pace in Metro Vancouver, reaching a total of 185,000 across in 2024.

And yet despite this growth, many jobseekers remain uncertain about what clean economy jobs actually are and how to find them.

Members of the SWC —ranging from labour unions and trade associations to Indigenous groups and employers—are contributing their expertise to ensure the selected jobs reflect both the current landscape of regulations and demand, as well as the skills needed to advance climate action. By drawing from a wide range of industries and communities, this project aims to surface roles that offer meaningful impact and accessible career paths.

Tamara McConnell, CEO of the Academy for Sustainable Innovation (ASI), a SWC member, and a delivery partner on the project said, “At ASI, we believe that building a just and sustainable future depends on equipping people with the knowledge, tools, and support to take meaningful climate action through their work. That’s why we’re proud to participate in this important initiative by the Sustainable Workforce Coalition to make clean economy careers more visible, accessible, and inclusive. These pathways will empower young, new, and transitioning workers with clear, actionable information and help employers meet the urgent demand for talent within transition to a clean economy in BC."

Learn more about the Sustainable Workforce Coalition.