About the Industry
Future of Oil and Gas
Worldwide demand for petroleum products is still growing. As populations continue to grow in developing nations (such as China and India), the world’s reliance on petroleum products and fossil fuels is expected to rise. Canada’s oil and gas industry will become a key player in helping the world meet its predicted energy demands.
- The 2008 International Energy Outlook Report (PDF) forecasts worldwide energy demand to increase by 50% by 2030.
- Fossil fuels will continue to be the primary source of energy, accounting for 77% of demand increase to 2030.
- World use of liquids and other petroleum is expected to rise to 91 million barrels per day in 2015 and 107 million barrels per day in 2030.
While the world's energy resources are predicted to be adequate to meet energy demand to 2030 and beyond, careful environmental planning and economic considerations must be taken into account to protect our climate. Canada’s oil and gas industry is committed to the safe and efficient development of oil and gas resources, to help reduce emissions and lessen the impact to our environment. In fact, Canada leads the world in technology and innovation, and has already contributed over $4 billion towards climate change initiatives, such as carbon capture and storage technology and public transit.
The Petroleum HR Council’s Labour Market Information (LMI) project, looks at employment and labour demand projections to 2020 based on industry growth as well as replacement demand due to retirements and deaths. Labour demand projections provide an indicator of medium and long-term trends. New sources of employment will likely be in the oil sands, with service, drilling and pipeline roles providing increasing support to oil sands development.
In the short-term, employers are still facing labour shortages in a number of occupations. Current in-demand occupations include:
- Engineers: Petroleum (i.e. Reservoir, Production), Mechanical (i.e. Mechanical, Rotating Equipment and Development) and Materials
- Trades: Pipefitter, Ironworker, Rig Technician, Electrical and Instrumentation
- Business and Operations Support: Medical Personnel, IT Specialist, Specialty HR, Production Accountant, Finance, Occupational Health and Safety and QA Specialist
- Operators: Motorhand, Derrickhand, Driller, Field Operator, Well Services Operator (experienced) and Service Technician
- Field Workers: Drilling and Service Rig Work (i.e. Floorhand) and Seismic (i.e. Recording Crew Helper and Observer)
- Specialized Skills: Experienced SAGD Professional, In Situ Heavy Oil Technical Professional and Shale Gas Specialist
- Others: Mining and Construction roles (i.e. Site Superintendent and Construction Safety Office and Labourer)
Your Future in Canada’s Oil and Gas Industry
Global demand, combined with Canada's vast oil and gas resources and advances in technology, tell us there will be lots of work in this industry for many decades to come. The industry is seeking people, just like you, from diverse backgrounds – aboriginals, women, immigrants and youth to work in the industry.
With over 500,000 people employed directly and indirectly in the oil and gas industry, this means that when you start a career in oil and gas, you join an industry with a future. In exchange, you will learn new skills, enhance your expertise, advance your career and improve your quality of life.
For industry forecast data, visit:
