Archive for the ‘Labour Market’ Category

BC Labour Market Outlook – 2009 to 2019

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

The recent economic downturn has resulted in some tough times for job seekers. However BC Stats is showing some positive results for the first quarter in 2010 and here at the Career Centre there is a definite increase of job postings on our website.

The Provincial Government has recently posted Labour Market Outlook for 2009 to 2019 on the WorkBC website and 208,000 job openings are expected for the Vancouver Island/Coast region over the ten-year period. It is estimated that 60% of these job openings will be due to replacement demand and 40% will be from expansion. Across B.C. the largest number of job openings are expected in:

  • Sales and Service Occupations
  • Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators and Related Occupations
  • Business, Finance and Administration Occupations

    • “In Vancouver Island/Coast, Masonry and plastering trades is expected to have the highest growth rate at 4.3 percent per year. Two health occupations including physicians and registered nurses occupy the second and third spots.” Of course no projection can be completely accurate, but being aware of this information can assist a job seeker make a more educated decision in their future.

    Posted in Labour Market, Projections | No Comments »

    WorkBC.ca Provides Easy Access to BC’s Labour Market Information

    Monday, December 7th, 2009

    The province of BC has recently revamped the WorkBC.ca website to provide easy access to labour market information for employers, job seekers and those in the career-decision making process. I went in and explored the site and was impressed with the set up, ease of use and variety of resources available. Want to know the employment trends in BC for November or what occupations are in demand?  The Discover B.C.’s Labour Market page is a great place to start to research and stay on top of current the labour market.

    A recent Provincial press release indicates the site will assist users in the following ways:

    -Students can review career options, see what training, education and qualifications are required, and also look at future demand within their chosen path.

    -Employers will find information on hiring and retaining workers, including resources on training, skills development, sources of labour and tips on performance management.

    -Job seekers can review employment finding strategies, see what credentials are required for various occupations, and find links to skills upgrading programs and services.

    Posted in Labour Market, Websites | No Comments »

    Shift Happens

    Monday, August 31st, 2009

    Shift happens is the theme of the recently published, Summer 2009, Coastal Chronicles. This mid-Island focused publication provides an overview of the region’s current economy and the changes in the labour market. The recent downturn in the economy is evident in our area, however, with any change there is also opportunity. In this issue of the Coastal Chronicles each community takes a closer look at the hard hit industries as well as the industries and employers in their area that are holding their own and perhaps even thriving in these uncertain times.

    Posted in Labour Market | No Comments »

    Recent Survey Indicates Business will be Hiring in Coming Years

    Friday, May 22nd, 2009

    Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA), a society formed in 2007 to promote regional economic development for Vancouver Island, recently released survey results indicating “many organizations on Vancouver Island, 46%, surveyed by VIEA expect to increase their employment in the next three to five years despite the current downturn. In addition, more than 20% currently have job vacancies.”

    The survey is a part of larger project to develop a labour market strategy for Vancouver Island to assess the human resource needs of key industry sectors, review the current and projected labour market supply, identify gaps, and work with key stakeholders to prepare a comprehensive Labour Market Strategy.

    Other interesting details from the survey include:

    • Technical and skilled trades positions are the most difficult to fill.
    • Organizations reported hiring new employees from trades training and technology, business and engineering programs.
    • 54% expect to hire over the next 12 months to fill new positions or replace employees who leave.

    For more details check out the VIEA website

    Posted in Employment, Labour Market, Vancouver Island | No Comments »