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Environmental legislation is driving
demand for products and services.
It is difficult for the industry
to keep up with all the technological and regulatory changes taking
place.
Companies will have to expand the
range of services and products and move from control to prevention.
Canadian firms can expect competition
from U.S., Japanese and European companies.
Many segments of the industry have
experienced recent rapid growth, in the order of double-digit
rates.
Small fast-growing companies comprise
the majority of firms in the industry.
There is a shortage of key technical
specialists.
There is a declining enrolment in
technical programs and a lack of understanding of the industry
by youth.
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There is a need for technical specialists,
particularly engineers with environmental skills.
Managers and employees need to upgrade
their skills and knowledge constantly.
There is a shortage of project management
skills, particularly for site remediation projects.
There is a need for an estimated
5,000 to 7,000 workers, of which 2,000 to 3,000 will be skilled
workers.
Some of the specific skills and occupations
which will likely be needed include:
- Hydrogeologists: instrumental
in the design and assessment of landfill sites, clean up of
hazardous toxic waste sites, ground water contamination and
site decommissioning.
- Environmental Scientists: to perform
environmental impact assessments and audits, and to manage site
clean-up projects.
- Air Quality Specialists: to gather
and analyze air samples, as well as develop methodologies for
air quality analysis, and implement solutions for air pollution
control.
Employment of technically skilled
environment workers outside the industry will increase an estimated
two percent (300 to 400 workers) by 1995. Seventy percent of companies
will actively recruit from universities, competing with the environment
industry for graduates.
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