Driving Sustainability: In-Demand Jobs and Skills in Canada’s Transportation Sector

Canada's transportation sector is a vital component of the economy and the lives of Canadians; however, it also stands as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, ranking second only to the oil and gas industry. Despite a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, emissions from transportation have been steadily increasing over the years. To meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement, Canada aims to reduce emissions by 40 to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030, necessitating a shift toward cleaner transportation technologies. A decarbonized transportation sector requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on technology, regulations, infrastructure, and workforce development. 

To achieve its environmental goals, ground transportation is moving toward environmentally sustainable transportation modes and technologies, including public transportation, active transportation, zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs), and transportation modes that make use of sustainable synthetic fuels and biofuels. Digital technologies, such as the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and the internet of things (IoT), play a pivotal role in the green transition by optimizing transportation systems to reduce environmental impacts and improve the efficiency of the sector. As a result, transportation professionals must adapt to a rapidly evolving industry that requires new and advanced skills related to the utilization of clean technologies and environmental sustainability. 

This report uses a mixed methods approach to explore the integration of sustainable transport initiatives and clean technologies and their impact on labour market needs. Secondary research includes a review of existing publications to understand the environmental impacts of the transportation sector, including sustainable transport initiatives, the implementation of clean technologies, and the impact of these on entry-level job and skill demand. Web scraping was used to understand hiring trends and skill demand across entry-level roles. Primary research comprised of interviews with 16 sustainable transportation employers and subject matter experts, a survey of 75 employers from Canada’s transportation sector, and a survey of 669 Canadian postsecondary students in programs linked to sustainable transportation professions.