The Province of British Columbia released its annual Labour Market Outlook, identifying future needs and linking opportunities to post-secondary educational pathways.
The annual 10-year forecast provides valuable insight into the flow of supply and demand for labour in BC. The 70-page report examines job openings across 64 industries, 512 occupations and seven regions in the province with the aim of providing the knowledge required to make informed decisions on careers, hiring, training and education.
“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,” says Selina Robinson, Minister of Post Secondary Education & Future Skills.
At the release of the report on November 24, Robinson explained that more than 60 per cent of the one million job openings expected over the next decade will be due to retirements and career changes. As an example, the province’s short-staffed health care system is projected to need 166,300 new workers between now and the early 2030s with 89,100 employees expected to move on from their current jobs and 77,200 new positions opened up.
Along with health care, the outlook identifies sectors such as early childhood education, retail services, computer system design, social services, hospitality and trades as drivers of the economy where high demand awaits those with the required education and skills.
With its rich mix of programs, Selkirk College continues to align its educational offerings to meet the labour demands both locally and across the province. From micro-credentials to four-year degrees, those wanting to get a start on an education that will lead to in-demand careers or those wanting to bolster their resume with job-ready skills will discover relevant program choices.
“The Labour Market Outlook is a foundational indicator that helps guide what we offer at Selkirk College, it allows us evaluate where we are with our program mix and areas we need to build upon,” says Taya Whitehead, the college’s Vice President of Education & Students. “The current demands of the labour force and opportunities for exciting careers are plentiful, so we are here to help connect the dots and get learners working towards the outcome they desire.”
To help British Columbians choose their educational path or next career, Jobs Minister Brenda Bailey also announced in late-November that the province is launching a new tool, Find Your Path, to help students and workers connect their skills with job openings.
“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,” says Bailey.
Learn more about Selkirk College program offerings.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all