Employment in Canada

From skilled trades, mobile app developers, nursing professionals, to construction managers Canada has a booming employment industry that is seeking to employ vibrant young and experienced professionals. In a recent survey by Workaholics, 67% of the Canadian executives interviewed stated that they are looking to find candidates that have the right attitude, work ethic, communication skills, and teamwork abilities.

Some of the most in-demand jobs in Canada include: 

1. Financial Managers and Accountants

Demand for money managers with attention to detail abilities is on the rise, these are professionals who have knowledge of the complexities of financial management. Those with a knowledge of international finance procedures and are fluent in a foreign language will also have an added advantage. 

2. Skilled Trades

This is an opportunity for people that don’t particularly like office jobs but are still looking to earn more than the Canadian average salary. Canada is experiencing a general shortage of people in positions like chefs, electricians, carpenters, plumbers, industrial mechanics, and automotive service technicians.

It is anticipated that in the next 20 years, 40% of new job opportunities in Canada will be in the skilled trades and technology industry.

3. Software and Mobile App Developers

Many professions now rely on some type of technology and/or software. Almost every company and organization in Canada relies on technology and there is a growing need for qualified professionals with the required skills to design and update the software. Practically all companies hire external service providers to develop mobile apps for their customers and tailor-made software for their particular needs.

Unlike the other in-demand jobs with openings due to retirement, this is a particularly young industry and jobs are continuously being created as the industry expands. For example, mobile app developers in Canada can earn up to CAN $91,000 a year.

4. Nurses

Canada’s aging population means Registered Nurses are some of the most in-demand professionals in Canada. Demand for Nurses in Canada is expected to continue growing well into the year 2024 and possibly beyond. The demand is growing faster than institutions can supply trained professionals. 

5. Construction Managers

In both industrial and residential sectors, Construction Managers are needed to oversee the planning, and manage all construction projects and make sure they are on schedule and meet the various industry quality specifications, of which Canada has a lot.  

Many construction managers generally start off in a hands-on building job or in a related skilled trade job such as carpentry. Experienced Construction Managers in Canada have the potential to earn over CAN $90,000 annually.

6. Psychologists, Social Workers, and Councillors

For those of us up to the unique challenge of listening and dealing with difficult situations or helping people navigate life and their personal problems, this is the perfect industry for you.

Right now this sector has a very low unemployment rate, so the prospects of getting a job are high. In the long run, prospects and salaries are expected to get even better as Human resources and Skills Development Canada forecasting that by 2020 the industry will have more job openings than job seekers and better yet the wages are going to get ever higher. 

How to get a job in Canada

With a high standard of living and famously friendly culture, it’s no wonder graduates are drawn to Canada when starting their careers

While you’ll always be able to find a seasonal job in the hospitality and tourism sectors for an experience of a lifetime in the world’s second-largest country, the competition will be fierce for permanent employment in the metropolitan areas. However, you have the potential to thrive in these areas of vibrancy and variety.

In your downtime you'll be able to experience the outstanding wilderness, from the mountains of British Columbia to the world-famous Niagara Falls, Canada is an adventurer's dream come true. 

Canadian employers will require a résumé rather than the UK standard CV and covering letter. A résumé is designed to be more concise and tailored to each individual job application.

Summer jobs

Taking a summer job in Canada is an ideal way to experience what the country has to offer, fitting an unforgettable experience around your studies or taking a gap year to explore before choosing where you want to settle down. 

The majority of summer jobs available in Canada are either in summer camps, retail, or hospitality environments. You'll be able to get a real feel for living and working in Canada and not just the tourist's experience. Some summer work organizations with opportunities in Canada include:

• www.go-nyquest.com
• www.bunac.org

As a foreign national you'll need an International Experience Canada (IEC) working holiday visa to carry out summer work in Canada.

Teaching jobs

If you are a holder of a Bachelor’s degree, and are fluent in English, and have hands-on teaching experience, becoming an English tutor may be the job for you. 

Since English is one of Canada's official languages, the demand is relatively low for international English teachers. Canadian citizens are at a greater advantage for filling teaching positions, however, there are a number of opportunities in Canada's larger cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certified candidates. 

Internships

An internship is a perfect way for any student or graduate to immerse themselves in Canadian culture, enhancing their skills and a way of networking with Canadian employers in an exciting environment. In order to complete an internship in Canada, you'll need to secure an IEC working holiday visa via the International Co-op (Internship) program. 

If you're looking for an internship in Canada, here are some good places to start:
BUNAC Vancouver Internship can last up to six months and is aimed at English-proficient students and graduates.
Latitude International has internship opportunities based in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

Aligning your professional qualifications to employers

As the Canadian higher education system closely resembles the structure of the UK system, most employers will have no trouble understanding your qualifications.

If you are applying to become a permanent resident of Canada, you will need to have your credentials assessed. Regulatory bodies for skilled professions vary between provinces and territories. If your job isn't regulated, the eligibility of your qualifications is usually down to the discretion of your employer.