What job opportunities are there in Canada in 2023?
For the last decade, people have moved to Canada in droves chasing the Canadian dream. What are the main drivers for moving to Canada?
Economic opportunities: Canada has a strong and stable economy, with lots of jobs for skilled workers in fields such as information technology, healthcare, and engineering. The country also has a high standard of living, with a strong social safety net and a public healthcare system.
Education: Canada is known for its high-quality education system, with internationally recognised universities and colleges. Many students come to Canada to pursue their education and may later choose to stay and work there.
Political stability: Canada is known for its political stability and peaceful society, with a strong democracy and respect for human rights. This can appeal to individuals seeking a safe and secure environment to live and work in.
Family reunification: Canada has a family reunification program that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members to come to Canada and become permanent residents.
Natural beauty: Canada has breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and forests. Many people are attracted to the country's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
IT-related job roles, grew by 3.4% from 2019 to 2020
— Statistics Canada
However, some may be concerned about the job market in Canada before they consider moving there. Though Canada has a thriving economy and a diverse workforce, with many job opportunities available in various industries, it can be a struggle for many to find the kind of work they think they deserve.
To be prepared before you consider the move, let's explore some of the most in-demand skills and job roles in Canada.
Information Technology (IT) Skills and Job Roles. The IT industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in Canada, and the demand for skilled professionals in this field is consistently high. Many job roles in this industry are in demand, including software developers, IT project managers, network administrators, cybersecurity experts, data analysts, and AI/machine learning engineers.
High-demand skills include coding languages such as Python, Java, C++, and SQL and experience in cloud computing, DevOps, and artificial intelligence. According to Statistics Canada, employment in the computer systems design and related services industry, which includes many IT-related job roles, grew by 3.4% from 2019 to 2020. Additionally, a survey by Randstad Canada found that 75% of Canadian employers plan to hire more IT professionals in the coming year.
Healthcare and Wellness Skills and Job Roles. The healthcare industry is also expanding rapidly in Canada, and job roles in this sector are always in demand. This includes doctors, nurses, medical lab technicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. Additionally, there is a high demand for mental health professionals, such as counsellors and therapists.
The healthcare industry is expected to grow significantly in Canada due to an ageing population and increasing demand for healthcare services. Employment and Social Development Canada states that the healthcare and social assistance sector will add over 200,000 jobs between 2019 and 2028.
Skilled Trades Skills and Job Roles. Skilled trades are essential to the Canadian economy and provide many employment opportunities. This includes electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, machinists, and other tradespeople. These job roles require specialised training and experience, making them valuable in the job market.
Employment in the skilled trades sector has remained steady in recent years, with the construction industry being the largest employer in this sector. According to Statistics Canada, employment in the construction sector grew by 1.9% from 2019 to 2020.
Business Skills and Job Roles. The business sector in Canada offers many opportunities for skilled professionals, including business analysts, finance managers, marketing managers, and human resources managers. Employers are looking for candidates with strong analytical skills, experience with data analysis and strategic planning, as well as excellent communication and leadership abilities.
Employment in the business and financial sectors has remained relatively stable. According to Statistics Canada, job opportunities in the finance and insurance industry grew by 0.8% from 2019 to 2020.
Engineering Skills and Job Roles. Canada has a thriving engineering sector, with many job opportunities in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and energy. Job roles in high demand include civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. These roles require a strong understanding of math and science and excellent problem-solving skills.
Employment in the engineering sector has grown steadily in recent years, with particular demand for civil and mechanical engineers. According to Statistics Canada, opportunities in the engineering sector grew by 2.5% from 2019 to 2020.
Here are the top 3 job roles in each of the skill areas I mentioned earlier:
Information Technology (IT) Skills and Job Roles:
Software Developer/Engineer
Cybersecurity Analyst
Data Analyst/Scientist
Healthcare and Wellness Skills and Job Roles:
Registered Nurse
Physician
Physiotherapist
There were 21,970 nursing jobs available on Indeed Canada at the start of March 2023.
Skilled Trades Skills and Job Roles:
Electrician
Welder
Carpenter
Business Skills and Job Roles:
Financial Analyst
Accountant
Marketing Manager
Engineering Skills and Job Roles:
Civil Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
It's important to note that the demand for specific job roles may vary depending on the industry and region in Canada. Additionally, combining technical and other soft skills, such as research, communication and teamwork, can benefit job seekers.
In conclusion, the skills and job roles in demand in Canada are diverse, with many opportunities available in many industries. The key is to identify your skills and interests and pursue education and training in a field that interests you or where you think you have the best chance at excelling. With the right skills and qualifications, you can find many rewarding job opportunities in Canada.