Polygon Created with Sketch. Home | Research

Blue occupation pathways: Career transitions to the sustainable blue economy

In this research, we analyze the occupational transitions from 92 high-risk, low-mobility (HRLM) jobs to 15 rapid-growth jobs in the sustainable blue economy (SBE). How many years of training open up the most opportunities for HRLM workers to transition into the SBE? Which regions of Canada have higher transition potential, or higher transition costs? What training programs need to be developed to fill skill and labour gaps? Read the impact paper to get our full analysis.

Key insights

Rapidly growing occupations in the sustainable blue economy (SBE) are often specialized in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Due to the nature of these occupations, most transitions from high-risk, low-mobility (HRLM) jobs to those in the SBE will likely require one to three years of training.

The cost of a career transition to the SBE varies widely across Canada. It is high in British Columbia due to the opportunity cost of training and is much lower in the Atlantic provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The transition is especially less costly in Quebec because of the very low direct cost of training.

Related content

Research

Green occupations pathways: from vulnerable jobs to rapid-growth careers

The nature of work in Canada is changing. So is our climate. Can we alleviate both needs? Designing and implementing viable responses to automation requires a thorough understanding of the opportunities available to HRLM workers. Helping to transition these workers into high growth sectors of the economy is ideal (e.g., technology, cannabis, services). But policy responses that integrate with other public priorities will be the most effective and efficient.
two farm workers with tablet
Research

The next frontier in Canada’s agri-food sector: Technology-driven labour and skills transitions

This report provides an overview of the technological trends and occupational employment changes in Canada’s agri-food sector.
Research

Skills needs for workers in the growing plant-based protein industry in Manitoba and Saskatchewan

These reports provide insight into the skills needs for workers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan’s growing plant-based protein industry, especially around value-added agricultural manufacturing, and what steps can be taken by government, industry, and educational institutions to support workers.
View all Research