Jobs & Money Detail
Needing the professional touch
Employment counsellor Shadi Norman presents a snapshot of the professional occupations Canada’s labour market needs to fill
Canada is experiencing very steady economic growth, and, generally speaking, there is strong demand for professional employees across the country. As reported in the December 2005 edition of Emigrate Canada, there were strong gains in the number of jobs in both the public and private sectors late last year. In October 2005, for example, employment in the public sector was up 21,000; employment in finance, insurance, real estate and leasing rose by 26,000; there were 18,000 more people employed in professional, scientific and technical services; and employment growth in October amongst private sector employees was 59,000. This brought overall job gains among employees in the private sector to 97,000 since the start of 2005. On top of this, over the same 10 month period, the number of self-employed has grown by 87,000.
Indeed, two recent surveys suggest that this strong employment picture will continue until well into this year. The Canadian branch of Manpower concluded from its survey results that hiring in the first quarter of this year will slacken only slightly from the high levels of job creation experienced in 2005. Furthermore, a survey of economists conducted by the Bloomberg financial news service predicted that the rate of unemployment would be 0.3 per cent lower than the average for 2005.
All in all, then, the demand for professional workers across Canada is high, specifically among the larger, metropolitan areas of Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. However, smaller Canadian cities and towns are also experiencing economic growth. For example, in the second quarter of last year, a Conference Board of Canada study named the Abbotsford Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), in British Columbia as the fastest-growing economy in Canada last year. The gross domestic product of Abbotsford CMA grew by 6.7 per cent last year, compared with 3.9 per cent for BC as a whole.
Occupations in demand
Computer programming
Specific languages most in demand today include C++, Java, HTML, Visual Basic, Unix, and SQL Server.
Teaching and training
There continues to be a demand for people with teaching and training skills in the fields of education, social services, management consulting and commerce.
Engineering, science and maths
Great advances are being made in the fields of science, medicine, and engineering. Bright minds skilled in the sciences and math are needed to meet the challenges of these fields.
Financial sector
With Canadians enjoying a longer life span, it's essential today to carefully plan one's finances to ensure a comfortable life and retirement. Investment brokers and security officers, retirement planners, accountants, and CPAs are in continual demand to meet this need.
IT management
In the Age of Information, Canada now produces information as the basis of its economic system, and individuals who possess the ability to manage information are critical to most businesses. Systems analysts, information technologists, database administrators, and telecommunication engineers are examples of people with highly developed information management skills.
Business management
The business of Canada is business! Understanding of how to run a successful company is highly in demand. At the core of these skills is the ability to manage people, systems, resources and finances; to understand the needs of consumers and how to translate those needs into business opportunities.
Desirable Skills
It is important to look at the skills that Canadian employers are seeking in a candidate. Here are some skills that are on employers' lists.
Problem solving
Identifying problems, providing solutions, and making effective and timely decisions. The problem solving skills can be applied in areas such as business administration, management consulting, public administration, science, medicine, and engineering.
Vocational-technical
Invest if you can in vocational skills such as IT, Internet and email skills, office programmes such as Word and Power Point, and a knowledge of how to repair electronic and mechanical equipment. You may be able to find some online courses which will help you achieve courses.
Communication skills
Know how to deal with people in a positive manner. Most Canadian companies look for people who are team players and how well you are able to communicate both verbally and electronically.
Foreign language skills
Canada depends upon many nations for raw materials and goods, as well as for global markets for our own goods and services. The ability to speak a foreign language – today's hot ones include Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and German – can enhance your employment opportunities.
For further information:
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