Energy SHSM
Powering the future requires innovation and technical skill. Your Energy SHSM connects you with renewable technologies, power systems, and industry certifications. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada supports your journey by building the personal discipline and teamwork that energy careers require.
How you can link your SHSM experiences with Award Canada:
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Energy sector certifications, renewable energy training, electrical safety courses, sustainability projects, and energy industry placements.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
Over the next 13 weeks, I’ll develop my understanding of the energy sector by spending about an hour each week on SHSM training, focusing on renewable energy systems, safety protocols, or energy efficiency. I’ll earn at least one certification and track what I learn each week.
Example Assessor:
SHSM Lead Teacher or Energy Industry Partner
Example Log for ORB:
Today I learned how solar panels work and how the angle of the panel affects how much power it makes. I understand the connection between design and output better now. Next week, I’ll focus on electrical safety and practice proper handling techniques.
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Physical conditioning for energy sector careers, strength training for field work, endurance building, and fitness for outdoor energy installations.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
For the next 13 weeks, I’ll build my physical fitness for energy sector work by spending about an hour each week on strength training and cardio. I want to prepare for the physical demands of field work. I’ll track my progress through how much I can lift and how long I can work.
Example Assessor:
Phys. Ed Teacher, Fitness Trainer, or SHSM Lead Teacher
Example Log for ORB:
Today I did a circuit workout focusing on core strength and grip exercises. I held planks longer than last week. Next week, I’ll add climbing-type exercises to prepare for work at heights.
Complementary SHSM Experiences:
Volunteering for energy conservation education, supporting community sustainability initiatives, energy audit assistance, and environmental education programs.
Example SMART Goal (Bronze, 13 Weeks):
Over the next 13 weeks, I’ll volunteer about an hour each week helping educate my community about energy conservation—things like running information booths or creating educational materials. I’ll track how many people I reach and how my communication skills improve.
Example Assessor:
Community Program Coordinator or Environmental Organization Supervisor
Example Log for ORB:
Today I helped at a community energy fair, explaining simple energy-saving tips to families. I got better at using everyday examples that made technical ideas easier to understand. Next week, I’ll create a checklist handout that homeowners can take home.
(Completed as a team over 2 days and 1 night. Your team will plan, do, and review the journey together—learning through teamwork, challenge, and reflection.)
General Activity Description:
An energy exploration where your team travels by foot or bike to visit renewable energy sites such as wind farms, solar installations, or hydroelectric facilities. You’ll learn about sustainable energy production, energy careers, and how communities are transitioning to cleaner power.
Example Team SMART Goal (Bronze – 2 Days, 1 Night):
As a team, we’ll complete a 2-day journey visiting at least three energy production sites. We’ll document how each site generates power, interview staff about energy careers, and reflect together on sustainable energy and how we supported each other through physical challenges.
Example Assessor/Supervisor:
SHSM Lead Teacher, Energy Industry Partner, or Approved Award Leader
Example Group Debrief (Progress-Focused):
Seeing renewable energy facilities in person made sustainability feel more real. We got better at researching each site beforehand so we could ask better questions. Next time, we’d coordinate with site staff earlier and bring a camera for technical details.
Career Pathways
- central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing
- construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- contractors and supervisors, electrical trades and telecommunications occupations
- contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations
- electrical mechanics
- electrical power line and cable workers
- gas fitters
- glaziers
- heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
- industrial electricians
- industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
- insulators
- landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists
- machinists and machining and tooling inspectors
- plumbers
- power system electricians
- power engineers and power systems operators
- steamfitters, pipefitters and sprinkler system installers
- biological technologists and technicians
- central control and process operators, petroleum, gas and chemical processing
- civil engineering technologists and technicians
- electricians (except industrial and power system)
- geological and mineral technologists and technicians
- industrial engineering and manufacturing technologists and technicians
- land surveyors
- mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
- natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- supervisors, petroleum, gas and chemical processing and utilities
- technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology
- technical sales specialists – wholesale trade
- utilities managers
- architects
- chemical engineers
- economist and economic policy researchers and analysts
- electrical and electronics engineers
- engineering managers
- geological engineers
- mechanical engineers
- meteorologists and climatologists
- natural and applied science policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- petroleum engineers
- physicists and astronomers
- assemblers and inspectors, electrical appliance, apparatus and equipment manufacturing
- assemblers, fabricators and inspectors, industrial electrical motors and transformers
- chemical plant machine operators
- chemical technologists and technicians
- electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
- engineering inspectors and regulatory officers
- construction inspectors
- inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety
- oil and gas well drilling workers and services operators
- power engineers and power systems operators
- residential and commercial installers and servicers
- retail salespersons
- waterworks and gas maintenance workers
