Transitioning to a Green Economy

1. Transitioning to a Green Economy Examining Labour Market Information Deanna Parsons D. Parsons & Associates

2. Labour Market Information • Data on employment, wages, standards and qualifications, job openings and working conditions • Used to identify local employment trends and workforce opportunities • Local Labour Market Information • Ontario’s unemployment rate reached a staggering 9.3% in October 2009 • Significant job losses experienced across many sectors • New areas of growth needed to support business retention and expansion – keeping our economy competitive • New economy’s – create new employment opportunities • A wave of new job opportunities created as a result of the focus on a more energy conscious marketplace

3. Defining “Green Economy” • Fast growing new economic development model • The green economy is considered being able to both create green jobs, ensure real, sustainable economic growth, and prevent negative environmental impacts • Blue collar employment that has been upgraded to better respect the environment • Positions that contribute substantially to preserving or restoring environmental quality • Way of the future • Strong demands across a wide array of sectors “In 2011, environmental employment in Canada is expected to reach over 570,000, an increase of 8.1% since 2006” (Industry Canada)

4. Green Economy Drivers • Social pressures • Economical benefits and savings of green investments • Government policies • The urgency of the transition would not be met unless enforced by government policies and legislation • For example Ontario’s Green Energy Act

5. Green Economy Investment • Ontario Power Authority (OPA) will invest up to $30 million over five years on a new industrial energy efficiency program to reduce both electricity and gas consumption in the southwest GTA • $600 million invested on green technologies and initiatives • 50,000 jobs expected to be created in Ontario as a result of anticipated projects getting underway due to the Green Energy Act

6. Transitional Effects on Employment • Transitioning economy naturally causes shift in employment • New jobs will be created • Shifts in employment will occur • Some Jobs will be phased out completely • Traditional jobs are being converted to green collar

7. Challenges • Green focus is creating strong demand for green collar jobs • Workforce planning and development at forefront - ensuring match between supply and demand • Strong understanding of industries and occupations is needed • Understanding top in-demand occupations supports strategic planning, policy development and targeted labour force development

8. The Green Economy • The Utilities, Construction and Manufacturing industries are directly affected by the green economy throughout Peel Halton, Toronto and York South Simcoe • These sectors are the focus based on their presence in local board areas in terms of employment sizes and growth as well as based on findings through secondary research • Next section – focuses on LMI for each industry • Industry related statistics • Occupational statistics

9. Utilities (NAICS 22) • Comprises establishments engaged in operating electric, gas and water utilities • In 2006 there were a total of 13,705 people employed in this industry accounting for a mere 0.53% of the total workforce across the GTA this can be compared to 0.79% across Ontario • In total there are 48,640 people employed in Utilities across Ontario, 28.2% of which are throughout Peel Halton, Toronto and York South Simcoe regions • Across the Peel Halton, Toronto and York South Simcoe areas, the Utilities industry saw a total influx of 101 employers from December 2003 to June 2009 which is an increase of 56.1% • 16 were small sized employers with 1-49 employees • The growth in Utilities will be met with a growth in the demand for green jobs

10. Occupations in Utilities • Emerging Green Collar Jobs • Arborist • Air Quality Technician • Energy Auditor

11. Occupations in Utilities • NOC 0912 Utilities managers • Management level occupation • In Ontario 55.1% of Utility managers are 45 years of age or older • 15% are employed in Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services (NAICS 56) • NOC 2133 Electrical and electronics engineers • Skill level A occupation requiring university education • In Ontario 41.7% of electrical and electronics engineers are 45 years of age or older • 34.5% work in Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54) • The skills between this occupation transfer between the following: 2147 Computer engineers; 2241 Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians; 2242 Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment); 2253 Drafting technologists and technicians

12. Construction (NAICS 23) • Comprises establishments primarily engaged in constructing, repairing and renovating buildings and engineering works, and in subdividing and developing land • In 2006 there were a total of 136,515 people employed in this industry accounting for a mere 5.3% of the total workforce from all regions compared to 5.88% across Ontario • In total there are 362,450 people employed in the Construction sector across Ontario, 37.7% of which are throughout the GTA • Across the Peel Halton, Toronto and York South Simcoe areas, the Construction industry saw a total influx of 1,521 employers from December 2003 to June 2009 which is an increase of 3.64% from 2003 • Largest growth occurred in small sized employer range

13. Occupations in Construction • Emerging Green Collar Jobs • Building retrofitters • Electricians • Roofers • Energy Auditor

14. Occupations in Construction • 7611 Construction trades helpers and labourers • Skill level D occupation – requiring on-the-job training • In Ontario 28.7% of construction trades helpers and labourers are 45 years of age or older • 7271 Carpenters • Skill level B occupation requiring college education or apprenticeship training • In Ontario 39.6% of carpenters are 45 years of age or older • The skills between this occupation transfer between the following: 7293 Insulators; 7295 Floor covering installers; 7272 Cabinetmakers; 7291 Roofers and shinglers

15. Manufacturing (NAICS 31-33) • Comprises establishments primarily engaged in the physical or chemical transformation of materials or substances into new products. • In 2006 there were a total of 346,145 people employed in this industry accounting for 13.4% total workforce in the GTA compared to 13.9% across Ontario • In total there are 854,380 people employed in Manufacturing across Ontario, 40.5% of which are throughout the GTA • Across the Peel Halton, Toronto and York South Simcoe areas, the Manufacturing industry saw a decline of 3,515 employers from December 2003 to June 2009 • While a decline occurred large opportunities still occur as manufacturing goes green

16. Occupations in Manufacturing • Emerging Green Collar Jobs • Environmental Technician/Technologist • Hazardous Materials Specialists • Industrial Designer • Industrial Waste Inspector

17. Occupations in Manufacturing • 9482 Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers • Skill level C occupation requiring on-the-job training • In Ontario 37.4% of construction trades helpers and labourers are 45 years of age or older • This occupation is predominantly employed in manufacturing

18. Conclusion • Green economy is present in various industries and across many occupations • Demand is high for a highly skilled and completive workforce centered around green jobs • Understanding local LMI is essential • Targeted labour force development will ensure labour force demands of the green economy are met