10 Jobs In British Columbia That Increased In Demand Due To COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on how we work. To be sure, many sectors, such as tourism and hospitality, were negatively impacted by pandemic-related shutdowns.

However, some industries experienced a surge in job openings. The federal government conducted research into how the pandemic affects the labour force in each province and territory.

Based on this research, here are 10 jobs in British Columbia that have seen an increase in demand during the pandemic. Jobs are listed below in alphabetical order by National Occupational Classification (NOC) code.

10 Jobs In British Columbia That Increased In Demand Due To COVID-19

1. Payroll administrators (NOC 1432)

These employees gather, verify, and process payroll data. They also decide on pay and benefits for an organization’s employees and keep track of the payroll.

Employment for this job fell slightly after the COVID-19 pandemic began (a 16 per cent drop in April 2020 compared to April 2019).

However, as demand rises, employment levels have begun to rise again.

Many employers are dealing with unexpected revenue loss as a result of the pandemic and are in desperate need of payroll administrators to keep employee costs to a minimum.

2. Information systems analysts and consultants (NOC 2171)

These professionals analyze and test system requirements, as well as put plans, policies, and procedures in place for the development of information systems.

They also make recommendations on information technology issues.

This occupation experienced an increase following the start of the pandemic and is expected to continue post-pandemic.

This is due to the fact that many businesses began relying on their employees working from home.

As a result, they required cutting-edge technology and secure data access.

3. Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174)

Computer programmers create, modify, integrate, and test computer code for applications such as software, data processing and operating systems, and communications software.

Developers of interactive media work on mobile apps, training software, computer games, film, video, and other forms of media.

They create, modify, integrate, and test computer code for applications such as software, data processing, computer games, film, and video.

Following the outbreak of the pandemic, employment for these professionals increased significantly.

This is to provide the necessary computer software for employees who work from home.

4. Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (NOC 4413)

These teacher assistants assist students and help teachers with teaching and other tasks.

They usually concentrate on teaching and behaviour management.

When compared to April 2019, employment for this job increased by a whopping 44% in April 2020.

Because of COVID-related restrictions, many British Columbia schools were forced to switch to online learning.

Following the resumption of in-class learning, funding was increased to support health and safety measures as well as new learning groups, including teacher assistants.

Teacher assistance will continue to play an important role in the classroom, whether it is in-person, online, or both.

5. Technical sales specialists (NOC 6221)

Technical sales specialists, for example, sell technical goods and services to governments, as well as commercial and industrial establishments. Some people also work in the wholesale trade.

Following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, employment for these professionals fell significantly.

However, by May, employment for technical sales specialists had recovered and was growing.

6. Cooks (NOC 6322)

Cooks are those who prepare and cook food. They work in a variety of settings such as restaurants, hotels, hospitals, educational institutions, and other businesses.

In March 2020, restaurants were closed to dine-in customers, and many cooks were laid off.

Many restaurants have shifted to online ordering and home delivery, necessitating the hiring of more cooks.

Many cooks are also sought after by entrepreneurs who use our commercial kitchens.

These kitchens provide food but are not associated with a restaurant.

This means that the demand for cooks has increased, even if they are not employed in a traditional setting.

7. Janitors, caretakers and building superintendents (NOC 6733)

These individuals clean and maintain commercial, institutional, and residential structures.

Building superintendents are in charge of the establishment’s operations.

After the pandemic was declared in March 2020, they saw a significant increase in demand.

This is due to an increase in the need for heavy-duty cleaning and sanitization in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

8. Material handlers (NOC 7452)

Material handlers transport, transport, load, and unload materials.

Employment for this job nearly doubled (by 91%) in April 2020 compared to April 2019.

The increased demand is due to the need to load and unload necessities such as food, cleaning supplies, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

9. Transport truck drivers (NOC 7511)

These truck drivers operate heavy trucks and transport goods over short, interprovincial, and international distances.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, these professionals deliver goods to various industries.

During COVID-19, the B.C. Truckers Association and the B.C. government implemented changes to meet the needs of truck drivers, such as inspection stations, rest areas, and food trucks.

10. Underground production and development miners (NOC 8231)

These professionals drill, blast, and operate mining machinery to extract coal and ore from underground mines.

They also build tunnels and passageways to make mining operations easier.

Following the declaration of the pandemic, employment for these professionals fell significantly.

However, there are now more job opportunities and higher demand.

In conclusion, According to their NOC codes, these 10 jobs in British Columbia are classified as “skilled.”

You will be able to apply under one of three major economic class immigration programs in Canada:  Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP); Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP); and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

In addition, British Columbia has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). If you have an Express Entry profile.

British Columbia also has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). If you have an Express Entry profile, you will be able to apply for the province’s enhanced PNPs, such as Express Entry British Columbia (EEBC).

Skilled workers, health care professionals, and international graduates are eligible to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence through EEBC.