Monday, August 25, 2025
The Government of Quebec and Hydro-Québec announced a collaboration between the two organizations to make it possible to more quickly train more essential workers for the development of energy projects in Quebec as well as for other construction sectors where there is a significant need.
In response to the scale of its needs, Hydro-Québec will invest $100 million to support the training of workers needed for the energy transition. The main objective is to train qualified workers to carry out major energy projects across Quebec and thus support Quebec’s economic growth. Concrete support is also planned to promote access for First Nations and Inuit to enable them to fully participate, if they wish, in major projects related to the energy transition.
“Today, we are laying the foundations for a successful energy transition. Our action plan is ambitious, and to make it a reality, we need women and men ready to put their shoulders to the wheel. With this agreement to train the workforce, we are preparing for the future. Workers who develop their skills now will build the Quebec of tomorrow and help ensure our energy future. This partnership is an essential lever for building a decarbonized and prosperous Quebec,” said Claudine Bouchard , president and CEO of Hydro-Québec.
For its part, the Ministry of Education will invest $150 million in training in priority construction trades, such as carpentry, surveying, crane operator, and heavy equipment mechanic. These new workers will be able to lend a hand in areas where there is currently a high demand.
“This agreement with Hydro-Québec is excellent news because it meets many of the objectives we set as a government. When I became Minister of Education, I made vocational training one of my top priorities. I often say: every diploma counts. And in the current context, this partnership demonstrates that education is a powerful force for providing our students with quality training that opens the door to promising careers, while creating wealth in our regions. We are also giving more resources to our vocational training centers so that they can, in their own way, make a difference in the Quebec economy. We all benefit from this announcement,” said Bernard Drainville, Minister of Education.
A total of $250 million will be invested to support training in the construction trades. Specifically, the investments by both organizations will support vocational training centers to accommodate more students, acquire learning equipment, and modernize their facilities. The partnership will enable the training of more than 5,000 additional students in the coming years. This means more qualified workers on the ground to respond more quickly to the realities of the job market. Training will be offered by certain school service centers across Quebec to directly meet regional needs.
“Our government is transforming the challenges of the energy transition into opportunities for economic development. Our action plan is ambitious and will create wealth in Quebec’s regions. A first economic boom is currently taking place, as we accelerate the construction of energy infrastructure. And it is by increasing our electricity production capacity that our businesses will be able to further develop and decarbonize. This will create another major economic boom for Quebec. I am very proud of the partnership we are announcing today,” said Christine Fréchette , Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy and Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development.
Featured image: (Hydro-Québec)
