The Canadian government recently conducted research to gauge the effects of the pandemic on the Canadian job market. While many industries were negatively affected, certain sectors such as healthcare experienced a boom. Based on the research, they have identified 10 occupations that have increased in demand in the province of British Columbia during the pandemic.
What Are the Occupations In-Demand In British Columbia During the Pandemic?
Information Systems Analysts and Consultants - NOC 2171
The demand for professionals in this occupation experienced an increase during the pandemic as many organizations shifted their working systems online. To enable their employees to work from home, many organizations required innovative technology and secure data platforms to continue operations. These professionals are responsible for analyzing and testing systems. They also implement development plans, procedures, and policies regarding the information systems.
Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers - NOC 2174
The demand for these professionals exploded after the onset of the pandemic. Organizations in BC require these professionals to write, modify, integrate and test computer software code. They are also employed by gaming companies, film and video production, etc.
Payroll Administrators - NOC 1432
These professionals are responsible for handling the payroll information to remunerate the organization’s employees. They also maintain the payroll record. While the demand for these professionals dropped slightly at the beginning of the pandemic, it is starting to gain traction again. As many organizations needed to address revenue loss due to the pandemic, there was an increase in demand for payroll administrators.
Technical Sales Specialists - NOC 6221
These professionals handle sales of technical goods and services to the government, commercial and industrial sectors. The demand for these professionals picked up after a slight drop at the beginning of the pandemic.
Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants - NOC 4413
The demand for these professionals increased by almost 44% in April 2021, just during the onset of the global pandemic. The assistants are responsible for providing support to students and helping teachers manage their curriculum. As the classroom has shifted online, teacher assistants continue to play an imperative role in managing the classrooms.
Janitors, Caretakers, and Building Superintendent - NOC 6733
The pandemic reminded everyone of the importance of sanitation and heavy cleaning to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus. This increased the demand for janitorial services and building maintenance leading to an uptick in employment for these professionals.
Transport Truck Drivers - NOC 7511
During the pandemic, the demand for truck drivers increased exponentially as they were required to transport goods over short distances, between provinces and internationally. They were imperative in delivering essential goods to industries still operating during the pandemic. The British Columbia government also made efforts during this pandemic in partnership with the BC Trucker Association to address the needs of truck drivers regarding rest areas, food trucks, and inspection stations.
Underground Production and Development Miners - NOC 8231
These workers perform mining operations to extract coal and ore from underground mines. They also work in constructing tunnels and passageways to facilitate mining operations. The demand for these workers is steadily increasing as the province recovers from the pandemic.
Material Handlers - NOC 7452
The demand for these professionals was 91% higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019. These workers handle, move, and unload materials. During the pandemic, they were required to unload essential supplies such as food, cleaning products, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Cooks - NOC 6322
Cooks work in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, cafeterias at educational institutions, and other organizations. The pandemic led to the shutdown of dine-in service in restaurants. However, the increase in online food ordering has increased the demand for good cooks in British Columbia. This was especially the case for commercial kitchens that do not offer dine-in services.
