Canada Skill Shortage List
Fresh data shows Canada is short 64,000 skilled workers in engineering and technical occupations, creating a major talent gap. This shortage spans multiple engineering disciplines, driven by infrastructure expansion, clean‑energy investment, and rapid digital transformation.
Below is a structured breakdown of the engineering skills currently in highest demand.
Civil, Structural and Infrastructure Engineering
Canada’s infrastructure boom is creating sustained demand for:
- Civil Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Transportation / Highway Engineers
- Water Resources & Environmental Infrastructure Engineers
- Construction Engineers
- Project Engineers
Why in Demand:
Massive investment in roads, bridges, transit, water systems, and climate‑resilient infrastructure.
Electrical, Power and Renewable Energy Engineering
Canada’s clean‑energy transition is accelerating demand for:
- Electrical Engineers
- Power Systems Engineers
- Renewable Energy Engineers
- Grid & Distribution Engineers
- Energy Efficiency Engineers
Why in Demand:
Canada is expanding hydro, wind, solar, and grid‑modernisation projects.
Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Manufacturing and industrial automation are driving shortages in:
- Mechanical Engineers
- HVAC Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Process Engineers
- Maintenance & Reliability Engineers
Why in Demand:
Growth in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and food production.
Software, Digital and Emerging Tech Engineering
Canada’s booming tech sector is creating high demand for:
- Software Engineers
- Computer Engineers
- AI / Machine Learning Engineers
- Data Engineers
- Robotics & Automation Engineers
These roles are highlighted as some of the most in‑demand engineering jobs in Canada.
Environmental, Sustainability and Climate Engineering
Driven by climate policy and environmental regulation:
- Environmental Engineers
- Sustainability Engineers
- Waste Management Engineers
- Climate / Carbon Reduction Engineers
Why in Demand:
Canada is investing heavily in climate adaptation and environmental protection.
Skilled Trades and Technical Engineering Roles
Technical roles remain some of the hardest to fill:
- Engineering Technicians
- CAD Technicians
- Welders
- Fabricators
- Industrial Electricians
- Mechanical Technicians
Why in Demand:
Aging workforce + insufficient apprenticeship intake.
In Summary
Across all sources, the most consistently in‑demand engineering skills in Canada are:
- Civil, Structural and Geotechnical Engineering
- Electrical and Power Systems Engineering
- Mechanical, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering
- Software, AI and Digital Engineering
- Environmental and Sustainability Engineering
- Skilled Trades and Engineering Technicians
These shortages are expected to continue as Canada expands infrastructure, accelerates clean‑energy projects, and grows its tech sector.
