According to a recent labor market report, British Columbia’s economy will create one million new jobs by 2033. The report highlights skills gaps in the region and what education and training are needed. Furthermore, it sheds light on the industries that hire skilled workers the most. The information can be helpful to stakeholders who are interested in the job market in British Columbia or how to bridge the skills gap.
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In the next few years, nearly two-thirds of all jobs in British Columbia (BC) will be intended to fill the positions of retiring employees. There will be approximately nine million retirees in the next decade, meaning there will be many job openings. Moreover, an increase in the labor force will create a third of all jobs in British Columbia. Government estimates predict the BC economy’s average annual growth rate of 1.2%. In consequence, BC’s workforce is projected to grow to 3.1 million by 2033.
Around two-thirds of all job openings in British Columbia (BC) will be due to retirements in the upcoming years. As nine million people retire over the next decade, many job openings are expected. Also, increasing the labor force will create a third of BC’s jobs. By 2033, the BC economy is projected to grow by 1.2%, resulting in 3.1 million people working there.
Over the next ten years, approximately 470,000 new residents will move to British Columbia. A permanent resident, a temporary resident, or someone in between are all included in this category. Shortly, almost half of these new residents will seek employment. Since the last report was published five years ago, the number has grown by 25%.
The British Columbia region is expected to see a rapid growth in population over the next decade, with approximately 470,000 new neighbors moving in. This group will have permanent residents, temporary residents, and people in transition. There is an expectation that about 50% of these newcomers will seek employment shortly, which represents a 25% increase from the number anticipated five years ago.
According to recent data, the province is experiencing a more significant influx of people than expected. Likewise, the demand for jobs has grown in the region. Fortunately, the job market is keeping up with demand. However, 75% of future job opportunities require more education or training after high school.
Training and occupations
A list of occupations with the greatest number of opportunities for people looking to enter BC’s labor force comes along with the report. There are three levels of education required for each occupation on the list:
A degree in:
- A registered nurse or a registered psychiatric nurse
- Kindergarten and elementary school teachers
- Architects and software engineers
A college degree or an apprenticeship:
- Social workers and community service providers
- Children’s educators and assistants
- A police officer (except a commissioned officer)
Schooling and occupation-specific training:
- A letter carrier
- Messengers and couriers
- Postal and parcel sorters and related occupations
British Columbia is taking steps to provide more opportunities for people to receive training in different fields. This will help them get ready for jobs that are in high demand.
Several new programs are already being implemented by the province, including:
- The province invests in healthcare by funding 602 new nursing seats at colleges and universities. The initiative will add to the existing pool of about 2,000 nursing seats, creating a shortage of professionals.
- The establishment of a new medical school at Simon Fraser University and the addition of 40 new undergraduate medical education seats and as many as 112 new residency positions at the University of British Columbia’s faculty of medicine;
- Simon Fraser University is opening a new medical school so more people can become doctors. Furthermore, UBC is adding 40 new undergraduate seats and 112 new residency positions to accommodate more medical students and residents. Whoever might need medical care in the future should be happy about this!
- A total of 1,700 new spots have been added for early childhood educators, and more than 6,500 students studying to become early childhood educators have been financially supported since 2018.
- Since 2017, approximately 6,000 tech-relevant spaces have been added;
- The government has allocated $271.3 million for a new Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation Centre at Vancouver Community College. Besides renewable energy, light rail, and zero-emission cars, the facility will accommodate 1,400 students a year.
BC Provincial Nominee Program
British Columbia wants to grow its workforce and invites candidates to apply for provincial nominations. This happens every week, except for some exceptions. This program is called the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP).
BCPNP helps British Columbia choose and invite immigrants with skills and experience who can contribute to the province’s economy. The program picks people who will fit in best with BC’s workforce. The program is a collaboration between the federal and provincial governments.
The BC PNP uses reports to determine what attributes to focus on.
Every year, the province draws people for tech jobs. They also invite people who work with kids and in healthcare to apply for jobs in the province. Throughout 2023, these invitations will be sent out every week.
Recently, the province has begun targeting candidates in construction occupations.
In the BC PNP, candidates can apply for a provincial nomination through various programs. The nomination process differs from applying for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), but it can bolster an application considerably.
You might qualify if you’re a skilled worker who just moved to British Columbia. This program has different streams, including the International Graduates Stream, the Entry-Level Stream, and the Semi-Skilled Stream. There are also streams for entrepreneurs, techies, and Express Entry applicants. You’ll have to keep in mind that eligibility criteria vary by program.