Canadian government studies show that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the labour market in each province. The study highlights certain occupations that have seen an increase in demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many industries, including the tourism and hospitality sectors, were adversely affected by pandemic-related shut downs. Many people lost their jobs, or had their work hours cut. Other sectors however saw an increase in job vacancies.
These are the nine jobs that saw an increase in demand. These jobs are listed along with their National Occupational Classification code (NOC).
Find out if you are eligible for Canadian immigration
1. Salespersons and agents in real estate (NOC 6232).
Agents and salespeople are professionals who work as agents to sell or buy property. This can include houses, apartments, commercial buildings, and other real property.
These professionals were not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, demand remains high.
Agents have had much-needed flexibility during the pandemic thanks to virtual viewings. These viewings can be used to market property to potential buyers.
2. 2.
Truck drivers transport goods and material across national and international roads. Truck drivers are employed by moving, manufacturing, transport, and distribution companies. They are employed in many industries, including construction and wholesale trading.
Truck drivers saw an 8 percent increase in employment in April 2020, compared to April 2019, This is consistent with Canada’s long-standing shortage for truck drivers.
3. Cleaning supervisors (NOC 6315)
These professionals supervise and coordinate the work of workers like janitors and caretakers, superintendents and specialists.
These workers are often employed in hospitals, health care facilities, hotels, schools, and other businesses.
In April 2020, the employment rate for cleaning supervisors was 13% higher than April 2019.
This may not surprise considering that enhanced cleaning procedures were a top priority during the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. Heavy equipment operators (NOC 7521)
Operators of heavy equipment operate the heavy machinery that is used to construct roads, bridges and airports, as well as tunnels.
Construction companies, heavy equipment contractors, and other companies employ them.
These professionals were employed at 11 percent higher rates in April 2020 than April 2019.
It is worth noting Saskatchewan announced that it would spend $7.5 billion on infrastructure over the next two years. This indicates a higher demand for heavy equipment operators.
5. 5.
Power engineers are responsible for maintaining and operating reactors, turbines and boilers as well as generators, engines, and other equipment. This is done to provide utility services like heat, light, and refrigeration.
The power system operators operate the switchboards at electrical control centres. This is done to manage the distribution of electric power.
These occupations saw a staggering 208 percent increase in employment between April 2019 and April 2020. These occupations were in high demand throughout the pandemic.
6. Stockists, clerks, and order fillers for store shelves (NOC 6622)
They pack customer’s orders, price products, stock shelves with product, and fulfill mail and phone orders. These professionals work in grocery stores, warehouses, department stores, and retail stores.
These professionals had a 123% higher employment rate in April 2020 than April 2019.
Due to the shift in consumer spending patterns during the pandemic, there has been an increase demand for essential products. As a result, many grocery chains have added shelf stockers and order fillers.
7. Information system analysts and consultants (NOC 2171)
These professionals analyse and test system requirements, create and implement policies and procedures, and offer advice on information systems issues.
In April 2020, the number of information system analysts and consultants working in IT was 38% higher than April 2019.
As more people work and study at home, there has been an increase in technology usage.
8. 8.
These nurses are trained to provide nursing care for patients and deliver health education programs, as well as consultative services.
They can be found in many settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centres and clinics, private homes, or in nursing homes.
In April 2020, the number of nurses working in this field was 33% higher than April 2019.
Registered nurses are in high demand because of their critical role in the diagnosis and care of COVID-19 patients.
9. User support technicians (NOC 2282)
Computer users with problems with software or hardware can get support from user support technicians.
These workers are employed by software developers and call centers, as well as computer hardware manufacturers, information technology units, and other organizations.
This occupation saw 38% more employment in April 2020 than April 2019.
This is due to increased technology usage, as more individuals and companies shift towards remote work.
These occupations can help you immigrate to Saskatchewan
To address Canada’s labour market needs and support economic growth, economic immigration to Canada’s provinces and territories is necessary.
For those who have worked in a high-demand occupation in a province, there are paths to permanent residence.
Your work experience can be used to apply for permanent residence through one of Canada’s main economic classes: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class.
Canada uses Express Entry to manage applications through these programs.
Express Entry is not available if your occupation does not meet the National Occupational Classification. Your NOC code should indicate whether your skill type is level A or B.
Only the following occupations are eligible for express entry from the above list:
Agents and salespeople in real estate;
Cleaning supervisors;
Power system operators and power engineers;
Consultants and analysts in information systems;
Registered nurses and registered psychiatrist nurses
User support technicians.
Saskatchewan also has its own Provincial Nominee Program. It is also known as the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, (SINP).
A sub-category has been created in the province for occupations that are highly demanded under the International Skilled Worker category. The list of eligible occupations is released each time SINP holds an draw.
A Express Entry profile can open up doors to provincial immigration programs that align with Express Entry. This also includes the Saskatchewan Express Entry category, which is part of the International Skilled Worker category.
Saskatchewan Express Entry invited only people with work experience in the following roles: power engineers, user support technicians, and power system operators.
Additionally, individuals with experience in information systems analysis and consulting were invited to apply through the Occupation In Demand sub-category.
