Creating pathways into energy management careers

Originally published on LinkedIn. This article reflects the information and perspective at the time of the original post.

How do we get more graduates and young professionals into the energy management industry? One of my longstanding goals has been to help create stronger pathways for young professionals and recent graduates to build careers in energy management in Atlantic Canada. It is a field that delivers real social and economic value while also being challenging, rewarding, and interesting work.

A major barrier is that many employers want candidates with five or more years of experience. That creates a catch-22: early-career professionals are interested in the field but often cannot access the roles that would give them that experience.

From my experience engaging with students, recent engineering graduates, and newcomers through Nova Scotia’s post-secondary institutions and Halifax Partnership’s Connector Program, there is strong interest in energy management careers. Co-ops help, but many still have to gain experience elsewhere before finding their way back to the field.

One of the best solutions is to create apprenticeship-style pathways where aspiring energy managers work alongside senior practitioners. This is highly applied work, and much of it is best learned through direct experience and mentorship.

In large building and industrial portfolios, a junior energy manager is not redundant. They are additive. They increase capacity, support implementation, improve data analysis, and help expand the reach of the energy management function.

Energy managers pay for themselves. In most cases, the savings they generate not only covers their salary but continues to build over time. They also help unlock federal funding and investment, creating value for employers and for the broader economy.

CIET, the organization that certifies Canada’s Energy Managers provides a strong foundation. New grads can take the CEM course, pass the exam, and with 4 years of experience become fully Certified Energy Managers.

There is no shortage of talent or interest. What we need is a clearer path into the profession.