Provincial Update | Alberta Jobs in Demand

A recent study conducted by the Canadian government shows how some job types  in Alberta see more openings as compared to others, during the pandemic. Based on this study, below is the list of all occupations with their National Occupational Classification (NOC) code that are in demand in Alberta.

NOC 0213: Computer and information systems managers

These IT experts monitor and assess the activity of companies that manage digital software and other information systems. Employment in this occupation was unaffected in Alberta when the pandemic was proclaimed. Despite the pandemic, employment levels in 2021 were higher than in 2020 as many companies moved their work online.

NOC 1228: Employment insurance, immigration, border services, and revenue officers

The pandemic situation led to a rush of applications for various government programs that would benefit the people staying in Canada, like the newly created Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) which provided financial support to employed and self-employed Canadians affected by covid-19.

These agents are employed by the government and are tasked to enforce laws and regulations related to immigration, customs, border crossing, taxes, employment insurance, and other benefits. This sector saw higher employment rates throughout 2021 than compared to previous years.

NOC 2171: Information system analysts and consultants

These analysts and consultants are employed in tech consulting firms, or they are self-employed. They test the system requirements and provide advice on information system issues. The employment rates for this NOC code trended higher throughout the pandemic and were 47 percent higher than compared to previous years.

NOC 2172: Database analysts and data administrators

During the pandemic as most companies shifted their work online, there was an increase in demand for database analysts and data administrators as the importance of information and database security increased. They are typically employed in IT consulting firms, where database analysts develop data management solutions and data administrators implement data administration policy, standards, and models.

NOC 2173: Software engineers and designers

These engineers are employed in IT consulting as well as in research and development or maybe self-employed. They integrate and maintain a variety of different software. This occupation has seen growth in recent years, with more than 400 tech companies based in Calgary, Alberta.

NOC 2264: Construction inspectors

They are employed by governments, construction companies, architectural and civil engineering consulting firms, or can be self-employed. They inspect new and existing infrastructure to ensure buildings are up to the mark as required by Canadian standards. The construction industry was considered essential during the pandemic and was allowed to operate even during the peak of the pandemic.

NOC 3011: Nursing coordinates and supervisors

There was a huge demand for nursing coordinators and supervisors during the pandemic due to their essential role in ensuring patient care, their role is to oversee activities of registered nurses in health care.

Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta provides a bridge to Canadian nurse courses of a 10–14-month long program to help migrants to begin practicing in Alberta.

NOC 3131: Pharmacists

Pharmacists are employed in retail pharmacies or are self-employed. Industrial pharmacists, those who are in research and development, are employed by pharmaceutical companies and in government departments and agencies.

In recent years pharmacists in Alberta have taken on more responsibilities like administering vaccines, modifying prescriptions, and managing a patient’s diabetes or smoking addiction.

NOC 4153: Family, marriage, and other related counsellors

The pandemic took a toll on the mental health issues for many as people suffered from increased anxiety and feelings of isolation. The demand for counsellors in Alberta peaked when the pandemic was at its peak in 2020 and the employment of counsellors rose by 66 percent.

They are employed in counselling centres, government agencies, or work in private practice. Some counsellors have taken their practice online amid public health restrictions.

NOC 4165: Health policy researchers, consultants, and program officers.

Health policy researchers, consultants, and program officers had to decide how to respond to the impacts of covid-19, keep the public safe and address the consequences on people’s overall wellbeing. They are employed by the government, consulting establishments, universities, hospitals, non-governmental and international organizations.

NOC 7212: Social and community service workers

The pandemic impacted harshly the vulnerable population especially people battling addictions, homelessness, and victims of domestic abuse were hardest hit. This resulted in demands for social workers to help these individuals and families seek help and access to community services. These workers help clients deal with personal and social problems. They work for government agencies, group homes, and other establishments.

NOC 7205: Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers, and services

These professionals supervise activities of tradespersons, masonry trades, and plastering trades among others. They are employed in a wide range of establishments. During the pandemic, they were deemed essential and were allowed to operate throughout the pandemic. Employment in this sector rose by 65 percent compared to past year.

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