Across an array of networks and programs, Vancouver’s Zero Emissions Innovation Centre regularly engages with business owners, managers, and practitioners by the count of thousands.
A consistently top-of-mind concern for many in Canada’s clean economy is a lack of talent to fill important roles, according to ZEIC, a purpose-built charitable organization dedicated to market transformation and enabling zero-carbon communities throughout BC.
ZEIC’s Sustainable Workforce Coalition, which consists of dozens of industry partners, aims to help fill the void.
Taken over by ZEIC from the now-shuttered Vancouver Economic Commission, the SWC is undertaking a new research and prototyping project: “Creating Real, Tangible Pathways into BC’s Clean Economy.”
The project will identify five high-impact clean economy jobs and develop accessible guides to help workers understand how to enter these roles.
The project is being supported by The Future Skills Centre, a hub for research and collaboration to drive innovation in skills development across Canada.
Building “a just and sustainable future depends on equipping people with the knowledge, tools, and support to take meaningful climate action through their work,” says Tamara McConnell.
McConnell is chief executive officer of the Academy for Sustainable Innovation, a coalition member that actively involved in the new project.
“We’re proud to participate in this important initiative by the Sustainable Workforce Coalition to make clean economy careers more visible, accessible, and inclusive,” stated the CEO.
“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,” said McConnell.
Seeded by a $21.7 million federal endowment, ZEIC is powered by the City of Vancouver and Simon Fraser University and is part of the Low Carbon Cities Canada Network established by the Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. The organization, through its Carbon Leadership Forum BC program, recently hosted the third annual Embodied Carbon Awards.
The Future Skills Centre is jointly operated by Toronto Metropolitan University, the Conference Board of Canada, and Blueprint.
