Through labour market insights, workforce tools, training, and sector collaboration, SUSTAIN supports stronger talent attraction, workforce planning, and long-term capacity across Canada’s environmental sector.
Project Duration: November 21, 2025 to November 20, 2030
The Environmental Careers Organization of Canada (ECO Canada), together with key industry partners, will collaborate to address pressing national and systemic issues affecting the attraction, retention, and development of talent across Canada in the environmental sector. Delivered through a mix of virtual and in-person activities, the project will develop scalable strategies, tools, and resources to address workforce needs and skills gaps across industries, regions, and occupations.
SUSTAIN supports a broad range of stakeholders across Canada’s environmental and sustainability ecosystem:
Employers seeking to attract, develop, and retain skilled talent
Workers and job seekers navigating environmental career pathways
Educators and training providers aligning programs with labour market needs
Industry associations and sector councils addressing shared workforce challenges
Equity-deserving groups seeking access to training, certification, and career mobility
SUSTAIN provides practical, evidence-based supports that strengthen workforce decision-making and execution.
The premier conference at the intersection of cutting-edge technology, workforce development, and environmental sustainability.
A fully immersive professional experience combining real-time job opportunities with tailored learning sessions, interactive exhibits, and exclusive networking that supports long-term career growth.
Networking and professional growth opportunities centered on celebrating the Environmental Professional (EP®) designation.
Industry roundtables delivered with regional environmental industry associations to share environmental innovation, trends, and emerging skills requirements.
A national forum convening experts and senior leaders across sectors to discuss how to foster a modern, inclusive, and productive labour market for the 21st century.
Scenario analysis and modelling system upgrades to produce employment estimates and labour demand/supply outlooks, including insights on job growth and age-related attrition – especially in energy and natural resources, construction, professional/scientific/technical services, public administration, and other services.
Quarterly analysis of job postings to report on in-demand roles and skills, including critical jobs and skills across energy-related sectors (petroleum, wind, solar, geothermal, hydrogen, nuclear, bioenergy).
Employer surveys conducted twice per year to identify urgent workforce issues, emerging skills, and training needs.
A national report highlighting workforce representation of equity-deserving groups in the environmental workforce.
Annual compensation studies to benchmark compensation levels and analyze wage trends across sectors, supported by a compensation guide.
Research on career awareness and perceptions among under-represented groups to identify barriers and opportunities to increase diversity.
Create and update national occupational standards, career profiles, and interactive occupational transferability/laddering maps for Smart Homes and Cities, Hydrogen, and Nuclear Energy, including updates to existing resources.
Reference example: https://eco.ca/ev-career-roles-graph/
Update the EP® designation and develop new skills/competency certification programs for:
Upgrade national environmental education standards and broaden scope to include micro-credentials and continuing education programs focused on environmental and sustainability topics.
Develop practical toolkits focused on:
Aligned with new LMI findings, design and deliver training on topics such as:
SUSTAIN offers multiple ways to engage depending on your role:
Access workforce tools, insights, training, and events
Attend events, trainings, and participate in certification programs
Collaborate on research, events, and sector initiatives
Align programs with industry needs and labour market data
Participants were able to engage in meaningful conversations with peers and employers, expanding their professional networks.
Network face-to-face with employers, job seekers, and industry leaders in Calgary and Edmonton. Connect with Alberta’s Environmental workforce.
Attendees explore emerging opportunities, acquired skills for a tech-driven job market, and connected with leaders at the forefront of the environmental workforce revolution.
Make informed workforce and hiring decisions with up-to-date compensation data for Canada’s environmental sector. Our 2026 salary guide provides clear benchmarks to support recruitment, retention, and long-term workforce planning.
SUSTAIN produces a growing library of publicly accessible resources, including:
Labour market reports and outlooks
Workforce planning tools and dashboards
Career maps and occupational standards
Training and certification resources
Browse our full range of skill-based courses and employability resources designed to meet the evolving needs of Canada’s green economy.
Each course focuses on relevant, transferable competencies that prepare participants for meaningful roles in the environmental workforce.
Featured Course
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Primer Course
Unlock the future with our Free AI Primer Course!
Whether you’re curious about artificial intelligence or looking to sharpen your tech skills, this comprehensive course will help you understand AI’s core concepts, cutting-edge technologies, and ethical considerations.
Coming Soon
Training Series Framework
Learning objectives, content maps, and outcomes for each training stream.
Coming Soon
Women in Leadership Curriculum
Empowering women for leadership roles in Canada’s environmental sector.
Coming Soon
Essential Skills for Success Curriculum
Learn foundational workplace skills to thrive in environmental careers.
Coming Soon
Indigenous Training Curriculum
Training developed with Indigenous communities, grounded in cultural knowledge and traditional teachings.
Coming Soon
Drone Training Curriculum
Gain hands-on skills for using drones in environmental monitoring and field research.
Coming Soon
AR/VR Training Curriculum
Learn how to apply immersive technologies in environmental education and communication
Hire a post-secondary student for a meaningful work placement and receive financial support toward eligible wages.
Get reimbursed for up to 50% of eligible student wages.
Eligible employers include Canadian-owned businesses, Canadian subsidiaries, and non-profits of all sizes. Placements must relate to the student's post-secondary program in STEAM or Business.
Apply as an EmployerSupport is subject to program eligibility, available placements, and approval.
Dans un esprit de respect, de réciprocité et de vérité, nous honorons et reconnaissons Moh’kinsstis, le territoire traditionnel du Traité 7 et les pratiques orales de la confédération des Pieds-Noirs : Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, ainsi que les nations Îyâxe Nakoda et Tsuut’ina. Nous reconnaissons que ce territoire abrite la Nation métisse de l’Alberta, la région 3 au sein de la patrie historique des Métis du Nord-Ouest. Enfin, nous reconnaissons toutes les nations qui vivent, travaillent et se divertissent sur ce territoire, et qui l’honorent et le célèbrent.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we acknowledge that we live, work, and gather on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations—as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations.
This land, known as Moh’kinsstis in the Blackfoot language and encompassing what is now Districts 5 and 6, is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.
We recognize and honour the deep connection these Nations have to the land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in its stewardship.
As we continue our work, we commit to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, uplifting Indigenous voices, and fostering relationships rooted in equity, understanding, and reconciliation.
Nous travaillons actuellement sur la version française du site que nous espérons lancer très bientôt!
Merci pour votre patience et compréhension pendant que nous finalisons la version améliorée du site.
We are working to launch the French site very soon!
Thank you for your patience while we finalize the new and improved version of our website.