B.C. projecting 1M job openings in next decade

The B.C. government believes the province will see about one million job openings come online in the next 10 years.

Unveiling its Labour Market Outlook at BCIT Friday, Minister of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills Selina Robinson said these jobs will come from openings in the “clean” economy, health-care, technology, and skilled trades.

“Our labor market is continually evolving in response to new technologies, artificial intelligence, an aging population, and increased global opportunities. The 2023 edition of the Labour Market Outlook underscores that 75 per cent of job openings in the next decade, they’re going to require some level of post-secondary education, training, or management experience,” Robinson explained.

“We’re ensuring that British Columbians continue to have access to relevant and responsive training through the stronger BC Future Ready Action Plan released in May of this year, with its bold $480 million investment in education and skills training.”

The province notes employment in B.C. is at a record high and is currently growing. The B.C. government says with more people moving to the West Coast than ever before, there’s more upward pressure on the labour force. It says approximately 15 per cent of all immigrants to Canada are expected to settle in B.C. in the next 10 years.

B.C. predicts that the number of employed people will jump to 3.1 million in 2033, compared to 2.8 million this year.

With the expectation that three-quarters of all new jobs will require extra training, Robinson also said the province is launching a tool for people in the province to match their interests and skills with projected job openings.

The Find Your Path includes more than 250 occupations, the government explains, and more will be added on a regular basis.

“The Labour Market Outlook identifies key sectors, while the Find Your Path digital tool acts as a road map for British Columbians to get that job. We are investing in people and businesses by developing a skilled workforce that allows people to have good jobs in the communities they love,” said Brenda Bailey, minister of jobs, economic development and innovation.

“With nearly one million job openings on the horizon, it is essential that we are focused on building and fostering a skilled workforce for these in-demand jobs,” she continued.

According to the province, the highest opportunity occupations in the next decade include: registered nurses and psychiatric nurses; elementary school and kindergarten teachers; software engineers; community service workers; early childhood educators; police officers; letter carriers; cooks; carpenters; hairstylists and barbers; bakers; and electricians.

“Together with public post-secondary institutions and the business community, we aim to help every British Columbian find their path to career success through education training and skills upgrades,” Robinson said.

“I know that the key to our collective success, the key to being future ready lies in making sure that everyone who is in British Columbia has the opportunity to learn to train and to reach their full potential, and to put those skills to work.”