Mentorship and Innovative Training Drive Hydro Ottawa’s Recognition as a Top Employer for Young People
February 2, 2026
Hydro Ottawa Group (Hydro Ottawa) was recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People. This award highlights the company’s commitment to fostering a new generation of talent through cutting-edge technology, robust apprenticeship programs, and a culture of continuous learning.
Hydro Ottawa is in the midst of an organization-wide knowledge transfer. About 35 per cent of the company’s employees are under the age of 35 — a figure that continues to rise as the company recruits the next generation of talent to help meet growing energy demands while its long-term employees prepare for retirement.
To support the expanding demographic of young employees, Hydro Ottawa is leveraging innovative technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), to provide immersive technical and safety training. These tools allow apprentices and students to get “hands-on” experience working through complex scenarios in a controlled, safe environment before heading into the field.
Hydro Ottawa offers exciting careers and programs designed to ensure young workers can make meaningful contributions to the organization and community early in their careers.
Quick Facts
- Approximately 35 per cent of Hydro Ottawa’s workforce is under the age of 35, with many long-term employees getting ready to retire.
- The company is bringing back recent retirees as instructors for its powerline technician program delivered in conjunction with Algonquin College, and as mentors for its apprenticeship programs, to make sure younger employees can take advantage of their decades of knowledge and experience.
- The company has partnerships with Algonquin College and Carleton University to promote careers in the energy sector and encourage women to enter skilled trades, technical and engineering roles.
- Hydro Ottawa is leveraging VR and video-based training to help employees master complex technical tasks in a risk-free environment before performing them in the field.
- This is the 11th time Hydro Ottawa has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People
