Recently, a Canadian government study looked at how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the labour in each Canadian province.
With border closures due to the pandemic stifling migration to Canada, many key industries in the country, such as the tourism and hospitality sectors, have been unable to continue their operations as usual due to a lack of incoming skilled migrants.
Despite lockdowns and travel restrictions negatively impacting Canadian industries, some sectors have seen increases in job demands.
To help you learn more about the in-demand jobs in Canada, here are five jobs – and their National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes – that are in demand in Saskatchewan due to the pandemic!
1. Information systems analysts and consultants (NOC 2171)
With working and studying from home leading to increased use of technology amidst the new normal due to the pandemic, employment for information systems and analysts was up 38 per cent in April 2020 compared to April 2019.
Information systems analysts and consultants in Saskatchewan analyze and test system requirements, develop and implement plans, procedures, and policies, and advise clients on their issues with information systems.
2. User support technicians (NOC 2282)
Employment for these professionals was also 38 per cent higher in April 2020 compared to one year before, as more and more companies and individuals transitioned to working from home during the pandemic.
User support technicians are employed by software developers, computer hardware manufacturers, information technology units, and call centers in Saskatchewan, and are tasked with providing support to computer users facing difficulties with their hardware or software.
3. Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012)
The demand for registered nurses was 33 per cent more in April 2020 than in April 2019. Registered nurses are employed in many settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, private homes, and rehabilitation centers.
In addition to diagnosing and caring for Covid-19 patients, registered nurses are required to provide nursing care, and deliver health education programs and consultative services in Saskatchewan.
4. Real estate agents and salespersons (NOC 6232)
Real estate agents and salespersons in Saskatchewan had their employment levels unaffected by the pandemic and remained in high demand throughout the province. These professionals have to facilitate the sale or purchase of properties such as houses, apartments, commercial buildings, and other real estates.
Moreover, due to lockdowns, virtual viewings have given real estate agents and salespersons good flexibility in presenting available real estate to potential buyers.
5. Power engineers and power systems operators (NOC 9241)
The most in-demand job by far in this list, employment for power engineers and power systems operators was a staggering 208 per cent higher in April 2020 compared to employment levels in April 2019. The astonishingly high demand for these professionals continued to persist throughout the pandemic.
Saskatchewan’s power engineers operate and maintain reactors, boilers, generators, turbines, engines, and other equipment to provide utility services such as heat, light, and refrigeration.
Power systems operators monitor and operate switchboards in Saskatchewan’s electrical control centers to control electrical power distribution.
