BC – The Province of BC has recently released the 5th edition of the British Columbia Labour Market Outlook (Outlook), and British Columbians looking for work have plenty of opportunity in front of them.
The report highlights show stable economic growth in the province. Employment has continued on an upward trend and is now at record highs of over 2.3 million. Employment growth is projected to be 1.2%, consistent with forecasts from the Ministry of Finance and BC Stats.
The province was the leader in economic growth in Canada last year and it is positioned to be among Canada’s leaders in economic growth again in 2016 as well as 2017.
Consistent with last year’s Labour Market Outlook, there will be almost one million job openings in B.C. over the next decade, approximately two-thirds due to retirements and one-third due to economic growth. Almost eight out of 10 of these job openings will require post-secondary education. Specifically, 36% of the projected jobs will require a bachelor’s, graduate or first professional degree and 42% will require diploma certificates or trades apprenticeship training.
While this report does not include assumptions about future LNG investments, the government continues to work with communities, employers and post-secondary institutions to ensure that, when final investment decisions are made, B.C.’s workforce will be ready.
The 10 major occupational groups are ranked as follows in terms of job openings over the next 10 years:
- Sales and Service
- Business, Finance and Administration
- Management
- Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators and Related
- Education, Law and Social, Community and Government
- Health
- Natural and Applied Sciences and Related
- Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
- Manufacturing and Utilities
- Natural Resources, Agriculture and Related Production
Updated Outlook data can be accessed through WorkBC.ca online tools that include comprehensive career, industry and regional profiles. It is also available on DataBC.
Labour market projections contained in the Outlook are based on available labour market data from Statistics Canada and other sources, industry growth and population projections and consultations with employers, industry partners and representatives from key sectors. They are meant to reflect general expected trends over the medium to long term.