Background
ENBIX worked with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to conduct a broad labour-market analysis of the building sector and to develop two databases detailing workforce and skills-training capacity for deep retrofits.
Deep retrofits can reduce energy use by over 50%, enhance indoor comfort and extend the lifespan of older buildings. Understanding workforce needs is essential if Alberta is to improve energy and emissions performance by constructing and upgrading existing buildings to higher standards.Â
The market analysis highlighted major workforce and retrofit training challenges. These include labour shortages, training gaps and policy barriers. For example, Alberta faces a projected shortage of more than 4,000 electricians by 2030, driven by demand for electrical upgrades and renewable energy. Shortages are also expected among HVAC technicians, plumbers and supervisors in mechanical and electrical trades.Â
Without targeted upskilling, Alberta risks falling behind provinces such as British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario. These other provinces are accelerating the adoption of high-performance construction through regulations and incentives.
This blog provides an overview of the new databases and key insights from the labour-market analysis and studies behind them.
Databases for the building industry and training partners
These two new databases in the ENBIX resource library address critical training and skills development needs across Alberta’s building sector, supporting the shift toward deep retrofits and high-performance construction:
- Skills and Technologies Database: Identifies the roles, skills and technology required for high-performance, low-carbon buildings in Alberta and across Canada.
- Training and Skills Development Program Database: Catalogues educational and training opportunities in Alberta relevant to deep energy retrofits.
Intended audience and use:
These online resources are not intended for the general public to help them find training. Rather, the databases are for the building industry and its capacity-building partners, such as post-secondary institutions and training providers.Â
Together, these resources support curriculum planning and workforce development. The Skills and Technology Database may also serve as a valuable tool for employers looking to hire workers with specialized high-performance construction skill sets.
Learn more about the databases below.
Skills and technologies database and study
Alberta’s building sector is at a turning point as it works to cut greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate goals. High-performance buildings are central to this shift. To help advance the transition, WSP and SAIT, with support from Alberta Ecotrust, produced the Skills and Technologies Database and Technologies and Skills Memo.Â
The study examined:
- Which technologies are currently available (heat pumps, smart building controls and systems, advanced insulation).
- Where they are being applied.
- What skills will Alberta’s workforce need to deliver them.
- The roles and occupations needed for constructing and maintaining high-performance buildings, including decision makers, designers, and consultants.Â
Study findings:
The study identified gaps in education and training. While post-secondary programs have expanded during the timeframe covered (2014 – 2025), trades-related offerings remain inconsistent, and many retrofit courses lack accreditation.Â
Slow curriculum updates mean training often lags behind industry needs, especially in areas like building automation, deep retrofit practices, and modular construction.
These and other study findings are intended to guide educators, policymakers and industry in aligning Alberta’s built environment with a low-carbon future.
Training and skills development program database and interactive heat map
SAIT collaborated with RFS Energy and ASK for a Better World to produce the Training and Skills Development Database. It includes educational programs and training opportunities for professionals and tradespeople working on both commercial and residential deep energy retrofits. It covers:
- Post-secondary courses and certifications
- Short courses and webinars offered by the industry
- Online and in-person offerings
- Alberta-based and national programs accessible to Albertans
Programs were included if they addressed at least one key skill or topic area necessary for deep retrofit work. These include building envelope design, energy auditing, solar photovoltaics (solar PV) installation or embodied carbon analysis.Â
*Note: Only programs active at some point between 2014 and early 2025 are included. Those launched or ended after March 2025 are not yet captured.
Interactive heat map spotlights deep retrofit training:
RFS Energy and ASK for a Better World developed an interactive heat map that provides a visual overview of training and skills-development programs across Alberta. It includes:
- Post-secondary courses
- Industry-led workshop
- Short-format sessions
- Online offerings relevant to deep-energy retrofits, such as building envelope design, energy auditing, solar PV installation and embodied carbon analysis
Limitations and ongoing work
These databases and reports represent publicly accessible information available at the time, and may not capture private or program changes after March 2025. As well, these documents are not comprehensive for commercial deep retrofit training.
This is an ongoing and evolving project. The databases will be updated later in 2026, and a full report will capture key gaps and opportunities related to training, education, and incentives for deep energy retrofits in Alberta.
