12 High Demand Jobs in Alberta due to the pandemic

A recent Canadian government study highlights some of the occupations that actually increased in demand due to the pandemic in Alberta. Although many sectors were negatively impacted by covid-related shutdowns, some actually have more job openings. The study showed how the pandemic has affected the labour force in each province and territory. These are some of the findings from Alberta. In this article, we will show the 12 high demand jobs in Alberta due to the pandemic.

Occupations are listed in order of their National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. If you are interested in more on specific job prospects, the federal government offers a trend analysis tool where jobseekers can view the trends in their own occupations of interest.

1. Computer and information systems managers (NOC 0213)

These tech professionals oversee and evaluate the activities of organizations that administer digital software and other information systems. Even with the pandemic, employment in this occupation was not affected in Alberta. In fact, despite the pandemic employment levels trended up in 2020 compared to 2019.

2. Information systems analysts and consultants (NOC 2171)

Information systems analysts and consultants test systems requirements, and provide advice on information systems issues. In April 2020, employment for this occupation was 47 per cent higher compared to April 2019. The average employment levels trended higher throughout the year.

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3. Employment insurance, immigration, border services and revenue officers (NOC 1228)

The onset of the pandemic resulted in an influx of applications for government programs, such as Employment Insurance, and the newly-created Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), among others. These agents are employed by the government. This is why this is one of the high demand jobs in Alberta. Their main responsibilities are to enforce laws and regulations related to immigration, customs, border crossing, taxes, employment insurance and other benefits. Employment for these occupations was higher throughout 2020 that it was in 2019.

4. Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173)

Software engineers and designers integrate and maintain a variety of different software. They often times find employment in IT consulting, as well as research and development firms. The tech industry in Alberta, has grown in recent years. There are more than 400 tech companies in Calgary, which account for some 2,000 job vacancies, including positions for software engineers and designers.

5. Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 2172)

Database analysts develop data management solutions while data administrators implement data administration policy, standards and models. The pandemic did not affect the employment for database analysts and administrators in Alberta. In fact, year over year, employment levels trended up throughout 2020. The shift to increase technology and data usage among organizations has increased demand for this occupation.

6. Nursing coordinators and supervisors (NOC 3011)

Nursing supervisors oversee activities of registered nurses in health care institutions. Employment for this occupation was significantly higher in April 2020 than it was in the same time in 2019. Average employment levels in 2020 trended up throughout the year. The covid pandemic resulted in an increase in demand for nursing coordinators, due to their critical role in ensuring patient care. As cases and hospitalizations grew, so did the pressure on hospital staff. This will continue to be one of the high demand jobs in Alberta.

7. Construction inspectors (NOC 2264)

Construction inspectors find employment in governments, construction companies, as well as architectural and civil engineering consulting firms. They inspect new and existing infrastructure to ensure buildings are up to code. Employment in this occupation was not affected by the pandemic in April 2020. In fact, it was 24 per cent higher that was it was in 2019. Throughout the pandemic, the construction industry was considered “essential” and allowed to continue operation even during the height of coronavirus-related restrictions. Although overall construction activity was muted in 2020, the residential sector remained resilient.

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8. Pharmacists (NOC 3131)

Pharmacists dispense prescriptions to patience, and provide consultative services to health care providers. They may find employment in retail pharmacies. Industrial pharmacists are in the research and development branch, and find employment in pharmaceutical companies as well as government departments and agencies. In recent years, community pharmacists in Alberta have taken on more responsibilities in the health sector. This includes administering vaccines, modifying prescriptions, and managing a patient’s diabetes or smoking addiction.

9. Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers (NOC 4165)

Health policy researchers produce reports and administer healthcare policies. These often find employment in government, consulting establishments, universities, hospitals, as well as non-governmental and international organizations. Covid increased demand for this occupation. Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers focus on how to respond to the direct impacts of the novel coronavirus. While keeping the public safe from the virus, they also had to address the consequences on people’s overall well being.

10. Family, marriage and other related counsellors (NOC 4153)

Family, marriage and other related counsellors help people overcome personal problems and achieve their goals. They work in counselling centres, government agencies, or they may work in private practice. As you probably know, the pandemic has taken a toll on mental health. It has exasperated the symptoms of those who suffer from mental health disorders, and increased feelings of isolation and anxiety on many people. In Alberta, the result was an increase in demand for counsellors.

11. Contractors and supervisor, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers (NOC 7205)

These professionals supervise the activities of various trades persons, including masonry and plastering trades among others. They find employments in a wide range of establishments. The construction industry was an essential one, and operated throughout the pandemic. A large source of employment for construction came from the residential sector.

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12. Social and community service workers (NOC 4212)

Social and community service workers implement programming that helps clients deal with personal and social problems. They work for government agencies, mental health agencies, group homes, and other establishments. The recession caused by the pandemic disproportionately impacted vulnerable populations. People battling addictions, homelessness, and victims of domestic abuse are among the hardest-hit. The result has been an increase in demand for social workers to help individuals and families seek help and access community services.

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