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Greater Toronto Area Occupation and Economic Trends in the Greater Toronto Area
- Other Occupational Groups: This is a summary of the major industrial and occupational trends affecting the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In many cases the same trends are affecting the rest of Ontario and Canada. This report is designed to help people who are trying to decide what field of work to enter and it should be used as a springboard for further research into the various occupations that are mentioned. It is not intended to be a complete list of "growth" occupations. Future Focus is based upon information drawn from industry contacts,
Human Resources Development Canada data, Statistics Canada's Labour
Force Survey, help-wanted ads from the local media and a variety
of reports. What's Happening in the Economy? Over the past year there has been a lot of upbeat economic news for people living in the GTA. It has been especially encouraging for those who are looking for work or planning new careers. Suddenly it seems that there are options that were not there just a couple of years ago. The GTA’s economy is enjoying a lengthy period of strong growth. This is generating a wealth of new jobs. What’s been behind all of this? For one thing, the American economy continues to race ahead at a breakneck pace. This amazing growth, coupled with a low Canadian dollar, has led to a flood of exports from the GTA southward into the United States. In addition, the basics that are necessary to a sound economy are pretty much in place at the moment. Interest rates are relatively low, creating a good climate for borrowing and spending. Inflation rates have also remained low, creating stability in the economy. These factors have given a big boost to the confidence of consumers in the GTA. Confident consumers tend to be big spenders, which is helpful to all industries, especially retail trade and residential construction. When people feel confident that their own jobs will last, they spend and invest and create many new job opportunities for others. As a result, full-time employment growth in the GTA has been very strong over the past few years. The unemployment rate has dipped down to levels not seen since before the recession of the early 1990’s. Another factor has started to have an impact on the local job
market - early retirements by the huge baby-boom generation. This
is particularly good news for younger workers who are looking
for their first jobs or are patiently waiting to advance their
careers. For the first time in many years there are openings and
in some cases shortages emerging in fields that have been very
hard to enter. In Toronto, this is already taking place in fields
such as teaching, nursing and the skilled trades, among others. During the 1990’s many basic changes took place in the world of work. As a result, workers have had to adapt their skills and expectations to meet the demands of a labour market in transition.
Self-employment is a serious option for people planning a career today. It accounted for three-quarters of all job growth in Canada between 1989 and 1996. Today, almost one out of every five Canadian workers is self-employed. What caused this self-employment boom in the 1990’s? For one thing, most businesses have been streamlining their operations in recent years. They have been focusing on their core business lines and contracting out many other functions to external companies. A lot of these are known as "business services". These services range from human resources planning, marketing and accounting through to Web site development and computer programming. Quite often self-employed entrepreneurs have stepped in to meet this new demand. Many of these entrepreneurs were experienced workers who lost their jobs when their companies "streamlined". The aging workforce has also been a factor in this trend. Many older people who have had time to accumulate money have used it to finance the start-up of new businesses. Also the availability of computers, the Internet and cell phones have enabled people to conduct businesses from their homes more cheaply and easily. There has also been growth in the demand for personal, financial,
recreational and food and beverage services. This has arisen partly
as a result of more women entering the labour force, the aging
of the baby boomers and an increase in disposable income amongst
older workers. These areas have provided many new opportunities
for people starting up their own businesses.
High-tech and high-knowledge occupations continue to rank among the best bets for future jobs. But this does not mean that these are the only areas of opportunity. Many "traditional" kinds of jobs will continue to exist, within industries that are expanding, in departments like sales, accounting, human resources and production. - Business Services: The knowledge-driven business services sector is one of Toronto’s best job growth areas. As companies increasingly outsource business functions like accounting, advertising and legal services, this sector continues to grow. People who are self-employed also create a demand for business services. The following occupations show future potential: - Human Resource Consultants, Personnel Officers and Recruitment Officers - continue to be in demand as companies hire more temporary and contract workers - people who specialize in the recruitment of high tech and highly-skilled workers are also needed - human resource consultants, a high percentage of whom are self-employed, find opportunities providing services to many small and medium-sized companies - use of Internet as hiring tool in this field is increasing - Accountants - there are three major professional designations of accountants: Chartered Accountants (CA), Certified Management Accountants (CMA) and Certified General Accountants (CGA) - accountants may work in a variety of areas providing services in auditing, bookkeeping, tax preparation and advice, and business valuations - growth areas in future will be in forensic accounting, management of credit and collections and environmental auditing - Lawyers, Paralegals and Law Clerks - job market for lawyers has improved in recent years especially for those who work in corporate and finance departments, new media, Internet, telecommunications, patents and trademarks and international business law - trend towards "boutique" law firms will continue and create niche markets for lawyers in elder law, Internet law, wrongful dismissal litigation, real estate law, entertainment and immigration law - law clerks and paralegals, especially those with computer skills, are continuing to play a larger role in providing legal services as law firms move into electronic filing of reports and documents - Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing Consultants - with the growth of services being contracted out in advertising, small "boutique" or "microagencies" are emerging where consultants offer limited range of services in specialized areas - communication or public relations consultants find work in areas such as corporate image, issue positioning and crisis management - marketing consultants find opportunities in emerging industries like Internet and also in marketing research, which has become more technology-driven - Computer Consultants - all types of computer consulting is forecast to do well over the next few years - "Year 2000" problem will keep consultants busy for at least another two years as companies continue to solve problems in areas other than critical systems - Internet, including electronic commerce (e-commerce), will create business opportunities for consultants as Internet is increasingly used for public and commercial reasons - some companies will prefer to hire someone to manage and maintain their computer systems, leaving them free to focus on their core business - this will create work for computer consultants, consulting engineers and geomatic services - Consulting Engineers - provide advice and services in the field of mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical and computer engineering - future growth for engineering consultants lies in geographic information systems, software development and applications, services to telecommunications and other high-end machinery and equipment industries, environmental services and manufacturing processes - geomatics is an emerging technology sector providing work potential in all areas of surveying, cartography, photogrammetry, geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) - Architects and Interior Designers - will find increased demand for their services due to population growth from immigration and major urban developments planned over the next few years - redevelopment of railway lands and the reconstruction at Pearson International Airport are examples where new opportunities will result - aging population will create a need for architects to design retirement and long-term care facilities - architects involved in the repair and renovation of commercial and residential structures and the development of mixed-use projects will also find increased work opportunities - as downtown space becomes scarce, infill and urban intensification designs will become more important - interior designers will be able to take advantage of growth in luxury condo market - Security Personnel and Private Investigators - demand for security personnel will continue as companies and individuals remain concerned about crime and security of data and equipment - Training Consultants - will remain in demand, especially in the
areas of corporate and computer training.
- Computer Industry The Internet, which burst upon the scene as a novelty, has matured into a true business tool. E-commerce has had a slow start in Canada. It has blossomed in the U.S. with online shopping transactions having increased ten-fold from 1998 to 1999. American multinationals, operating over the Internet, sit poised to grab a lion’s share of the Canadian market with cross-border and local-delivery shopping. Their activities will prompt Canadian firms to offer more online shopping. Bandwidth seems to be the Internet’s next major development area, with cable and wireless technology expected to make the Internet a comprehensive business and personal tool. The Canadian Advanced Technology Association estimates that in Ontario alone there will be openings for 56,000 new technology workers over the next five years. Current post-secondary programs will produce only 14,000 graduates. Eighty-eight per cent of advanced technology companies in Canada believe they face a serious shortage of experienced workers. Over half (54%) of these companies report high-tech job vacancies that have been open for at least three months. The computer industry includes the following types of businesses: - Manufacturers of Computer Equipment: Profits for hardware manufacturers have levelled off as more players enter the market. - Software Companies: These companies develop software programs for all kinds of uses, including business, personal and entertainment purposes. This remains a rapidly-growing sector, although consolidation is now taking place as the industry matures. - Information Services: This sector includes computer consulting companies. Some of the occupations that will be growing in demand are: - Systems Analysts - analyze information processing or computation needs - design computer systems which provide solutions to these problems or perform the needed computations - analyze databases and supervise computer programmers - very strong growth expected over the next few years - employers are mainly looking for post-secondary graduates with experience - systems analysts will need to keep up with rapid changes in programming languages - data warehousing and networking skills are in demand - also require good interpersonal and communication skills to be able to understand the nature of client requirements and to convey information about technical occupations to clients with little knowledge of information systems - Computer Engineers - design, develop and test computers for various applications such as machine control, instrumentation - strong growth for those experienced with network and client server technology - a university degree in engineering is required - Local Area Network (LAN) Administrators - install, maintain and troubleshoot microcomputer networks or LANs - technology changes rapidly and demand is stable - changes in networking software will have long-term negative impact on this occupation - ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) is an emerging technology that utilizes fibre optic technology to transfer data - it is possible with this technology to locate servers centrally and service multiple sites with fewer LAN technicians - stable to moderate growth - those possessing both Windows NT and Novell experience are most likely to find employment - Database Administrators and Analysts - develop and maintain complex databases - current demand is strong and those possessing Oracle knowledge are in greater demand - the e-commerce industry depends on databases - the emerging programming language of e-commerce is XML, which can build complex secure systems that retrieve data from multiple databases - Technical Support Specialists - analyze and correct problems in customer software via long distance (by telephone or using networks) - require strong computer background and problem-solving skills - customer service orientation - stable to moderate growth - Software Trainers - conduct courses on specific software packages - require good computer knowledge and teaching skills - Technical Sales Personnel - sales of computer and electronic equipment - often have community college diploma in field related to the product being sold - Electronic Technologists and Technicians - repair computer and telecommunications systems - best preparation: college degree in electrical or electronics engineering, computer engineering technology or telecommunications technology - Internet Specialists - design and maintain World Wide Web sites on the Internet - act as consultants - job titles include Web designer, technical designer, Web master and creative director - occupation has evolved to require greater skills - applicants should have experience with C++, JAVA and HTML as well as CGI - also UNIX, Novell, Windows NT and TCP/IP are recommended for site installation and maintenance - Web developers are now implementing XML-based e-commerce sites - Network Security Specialists - design and monitor protective
systems for organizations using networks - ensure safety and privacy
of databases and create secure environments for electronic commerce
- require networking background, firewall expertise and applications
programming skills - Construction The construction of new houses and condos has risen to its highest level in ten years. New office and industrial construction has been speeding up in communities surrounding Toronto, while building conversion and retrofitting is increasing in the city core. Construction projects for retail malls, schools and hospitals are also adding to the demand for workers. Large projects requiring many skilled construction workers include the Sheppard subway, the Highway 407 extension, the Pearson International Airport expansion and downtown Toronto redevelopment. Due to the strong growth in construction, some associations and unions are concerned that there is a looming shortage of skilled construction workers in the GTA. Many employers are already having some difficulty finding workers. The projected needs in the next two years are in the following trades: - Welders - operate welding equipment to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals - Landscape Labourers - lay sod and plant grass seed and trees, build retaining walls, install interlocking stone, patterned concrete, curbs and sidewalks - Cement Masons - work to smooth and finish freshly-poured concrete - Drywallers - install and finish drywall sheets and various types of ceiling systems - Ironworkers - fabricate, erect, hoist, install, repair and service structural ironwork and materials used in the construction of buildings, bridges, other structures and equipment - Sprinkling System Installers - fabricate, install, test, maintain and repair water, foam, carbon dioxide and dry chemical sprinkler systems in buildings, for fire protection purposes - Floor Covering Installers - install wood, carpet, linoleum and other floor coverings - Insulators - apply insulation materials to pipes, equipment, walls, floors and ceilings - Bricklayers and Stonemasons - many are expected to retire in the next five years - they lay bricks, concrete blocks and work with stone and other materials - Electricians- many retirements expected in the next five years - demand is growing and unions anticipate signing on 400 workers in the GTA in the next five years - they lay out, assemble, install, test, troubleshoot and repair electrical wiring and equipment - Plumbers - 200 expected to retire within two years and a total of 500 in the next five years in the GTA - they install, repair and maintain pipes, fixtures and other plumbing equipment - Painters/Decorators - apply paint, wallpaper and other finishes to structures - Tile Setters - cover interior and exterior walls, floors and ceilings with ceramic, marble, quarry tile, mosaics or terrazzo - Carpenters - construct, install and repair structures made of wood and other materials - Basement Builders - set forms for concrete and pour concrete to form footings and foundation walls of buildings Skills valued in the construction industry -A recent Humber College
study found employers want experienced workers. They also want
responsible employees who have a strong work ethic and a positive
attitude. The construction industry values the following skills:
ability to follow instructions; multi-tasking skills; reading
skills; ability to work in a team; computer skills; ability to
respond to change; ability to manage conflict; writing, speaking,
mathematical and time management skills.
- Education The provincial government has restructured the secondary school system, resulting in the elimination of Ontario Academic Credits (OAC’s) or grade thirteen. Both elementary and secondary curricula have been revised. As a result of these major changes, the last year of OAC students will graduate with the first class of the new secondary system in 2003. Twice the usual number of high school students will be competing for acceptance to the post-secondary system. Infrastructure changes to residences, classrooms and other facilities will be needed. Staffing adjustments for professors and instructors will also be required. Continuing education expects to experience ever-increasing numbers of adults returning to school for upgrading or retraining. This will further aggravate the space and staffing problems of post-secondary institutions. - Elementary and Secondary Teachers - prospects are good for elementary teachers over the next several years due to anticipated retirements - teachers specializing in French, math, science and technology will be particularly needed due to curriculum changes that emphasize these subject areas - opportunities for qualified teachers to become principals, vice-principals and administrators will increase as a result of retirements - University Professors - prospects are good for graduate students to obtain positions over the next three to five years due to the growing number of retirements and an increase in the size of classes resulting from two years of secondary students graduating together in 2003 - College and Vocational Instructors - job opportunities are expected
to improve due to an increase in retirements and the doubling
of the number of secondary students graduating in 2003
- Film and Video Film and video occupations require numerous specialized workers who are highly skilled and creative. The advancement of multi-media technologies, photography, digitization and sound recording has increased the demand for individuals with multi-disciplinary skills. Personnel are required for the various stages of pre-production, production and post-production of films and videos. Occupations expected to experience growth include: - Computer Animators - there is a relatively small number of skilled workers in this field, though the demand for their services is great - Film and Video Camera Operators/Audio Visual Recording Technicians - growing demand for filming business meetings, sales campaigns and doing public relations work – also for creating corporate videos and training videos - Video Technical Assistants/Freelance Video Technicians Assistants - this is often the starting point for a career in the film and video industry - Lighting Technicians - are technically-minded as well as artistic - average growth is anticipated for this occupation - Graphic Arts Technicians/Designers - advancements in computer graphics have added to the skills required of graphic and commercial artists - Other Technical Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting
and Performing Arts - job titles for this occupation include casting
agent, gaffer, stage manager, stunt coordinator, key grip, makeup
artist and stage technician - technological advancements have
changed how these workers perform their jobs as well as the skills
and training required - demand for these workers will increase
as the number of local productions grows
- Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing Economic growth, shifts in saving patterns and the financial planning needs of an aging population have contributed to rapid employment growth in investment services. Employment in the securities industry has grown quickly in the past few years. Toronto has a large share of these jobs. The mutual fund industry has grown rapidly in the 1990’s. Employment growth rates in securities and mutual funds firms are sensitive to economic conditions, the state of investor finances, financial market conditions and industry profit levels. During the 1990’s, the asset-based financing, equipment and vehicle leasing industry in Canada grew significantly. Rental and leasing industries increased their spending on computers, vehicles and other equipment in 1999. This may lead to employment growth. Rising consumer and business confidence, economic growth and low interest rates have led to strong residential real estate activity. The number of real estate agents has fallen this decade but the proportion working full-time has increased. Market conditions have strengthened substantially over the past few years. Financial transactions are shifting to electronic services. Different parts of the financial services industry compete to manage customers’ wealth and to meet their needs. More workers claim several industry qualifications to enable them to provide customers with a wider range of services. Occupational skill requirements are rising. An increasing proportion of hiring will occur at higher skill, education and salary levels as people are required to fill more knowledge-intensive roles. - Information Technology Occupations - programmers, network specialists, Internet specialists, database experts and other computer staff will be required - consolidation trend creates need to make different computer systems compatible - increased emphasis on electronic services suggests continuing requirements for IT personnel - need for Y2K staff will diminish over a period of time - Financial and Investment Analysts - should benefit as demand for quality analysis and recommendations increases - a well-paid, highly-competitive profession - Financial Planners - new minimum standards are expected from securities regulators in future - financial planners are found in many segments of the financial services industry - for example, licensed life insurance sales people are increasingly taking on financial planning and advisory role, often as independent financial advisors - financial planning is a competitive field with increasing numbers of practitioners, but demand will grow as aging population requires more comprehensive financial services - Securities Agents and Stock Brokers - must be licensed by Ontario Securities Commission - include the following: - Investment Advisors - provide investment information and advice - buy and sell securities for investors - competitive occupation due to high potential earnings - must provide superior value compared to cheaper trading alternatives - intensified competition among discount and full-service brokerages - electronic on-line trading has put pressure on commissions - there is increased focus on fee-based products for retail investors - Investment Representatives - execute trades but do not give investment advice - typically work at discount brokerages - Mutual Funds Sales Representatives - also required to be licensed - overall fund sales slowed considerably in 1999 - Real Estate Salespersons - Real Estate and Business Brokers Act
governs licensing in Ontario - computers and Internet are increasingly
important - strong real estate markets suggest improved opportunities
for individuals - likely to continue as long as interest rates
are relatively low and economic conditions are favourable
- Government - Federal Government: During the last few years the federal government significantly reduced employment through early retirement incentives. Despite the decline in permanent, full-time employees, temporary workers rose substantially during this period. Recently the number of employees reaching the 45 to 55 age range has increased considerably. These workers are becoming eligible for retirement in the next few years. As a result, the government has initiated a recruitment drive. Hiring for federal government positions in the Toronto area is handled by the Public Service Commission. Two areas of growth include: - Computer Systems Administrators - highest employment growth in the federal public service, rising by 15% in 1998 - usually require experience with client server technology, commonly-used software and networks - require knowledge of LAN maintenance and troubleshooting procedures and ability to install software and hardware - Senior Managers and Officials - estimated that from 2000 to 2005 there will be moderate growth - Provincial Government: An objective of the provincial government is to reduce the size and cost of government and balance the budget. Employment levels have been declining since 1995 because of program and spending cuts, privatization and outsourcing of services. It is anticipated that employment will continue its downward trend as long as the provincial government continues to curtail funding for various programs. While the size of government is becoming smaller, certain occupations in the information technology sector are experiencing some growth: - Computer Systems Officers - experience in commonly-used software/networks - require knowledge of LAN maintenance and troubleshooting procedures and ability to install software and hardware - Systems Support Analysts - knowledge of IntraNet Ware, servers, EDMS - ability to develop applications/modifications - knowledge of programming concepts and technical skills to monitor systems operations - Municipal Government: Restructuring will likely continue over the next few years. The amalgamation of local government services will have a negative impact on the labour environment and specifically on employment levels. Recent changes enable qualified employees over the age of 50 to retire with an unreduced pension. This initiative may create some demand in certain occupations in the next couple of years. This is difficult to predict because of ongoing reductions in program funding and shifting of services to municipalities from other levels of government. The municipal government is concerned that increasing deficits may hinder efforts to increase staff. The Toronto Police Service is now recruiting in order to fill
positions vacated by the growing number of officers nearing retirement
age and to meet the needs of the increasing population. A similar
hiring drive is taking place in the Regions of Durham, York, Peel
and Halton. For identical reasons, the Toronto Fire Services are
hiring as well.
- Health Care and Medical Products During the last few years, hospital consolidation initiated by the provincial government has been causing a reduction in employment opportunities in the hospital sector in Toronto. Hospital employees in all categories have been negatively affected. This includes nurses, registered practical nurses, laboratory technicians, paramedics, administrative and clerical staff, managers, janitors, housekeeping and laundry workers and food services staff. To compensate for hospital closings, the government has begun to direct more funding into community-based services such as clinics, agencies and home health care. It is also providing funds to long-term care facilities and nursing homes. Many displaced hospital workers are seeking employment in these particular sectors. Cutbacks to hospitals have resulted in job losses for nurses. Many nurses, discouraged by part-time hours or unable to find suitable employment, have been successfully recruited for jobs in the United States. Enrolment in nursing programs has dropped significantly since the beginning of hospital cutbacks because prospects in the field have not appeared to be favourable. With the aging of the workforce, many nurses are expected to retire over the next ten years. All of these factors are combining to create nursing shortages. Some hospitals have begun recruitment drives for nurses with university degrees or extensive experience in the areas of geriatrics and intensive care. The Nursing Task Force has made a recommendation that the Ontario government provide funding to hire several thousand registered nurses and registered nursing assistants immediately. To address nursing shortages, the Ontario government is now funnelling money back into the system. - Medical Products: Pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology and medical research are growing fields. An aging population will increase the demand for the development of new treatments for diseases. Prospects for growth in these industries appear to be good over the long term. In the area of medical instrumentation, new technologies are constantly being developed because medical facilities are demanding the latest high-tech equipment. Some occupations that will be growing in demand over the next few years are: - Physicians - a shortage exists for family doctors as well as specialists in radiology, emergency care and oncology - Nurses - shortages exist now for nurses, especially those with specialized training and experience - Midwives - legislation integrating midwives into Ontario’s health care system has created an immediate demand for their services - the first group of midwifery graduates is just completing the apprenticeship period, so shortages continue to exist - long-term demand will probably be high as midwifery becomes a more acceptable option - Massage Therapists - this occupation has recently received heightened attention as more people turn to alternative therapies to relieve ailments and prevent potential health problems - demand for this occupation is expected to increase as the population ages - Occupational Therapists - demand will increase as the growing elderly population requires more therapy for physical and mental disabilities - current trend is towards private practices outside institutional settings - average growth is forecast for this occupation over the next few years - Physiotherapists - demand increases as population ages - currently, best opportunities are with private practices assisting people who have private insurance coverage and people with sports injuries - average growth is forecast - Radiation Therapists - provincial government is expanding training programs for radiation therapists to address shortages and reduce waiting times for cancer treatment - Pharmacists- many are self-employed - aging population is increasing the demand for retail pharmacy services - above-average employment growth is expected - Chiropractors - growth will continue as the population ages and people become increasingly open to alternative treatments - above-average growth forecast over the next several years - Dental Assistants - strongest demand will be in private dental practices, not publicly-funded clinics or government public health departments - Natural Healing Practitioners - alternative and holistic forms of health care and preventive medicine are becoming increasingly acceptable to the general public - these approaches are often used as complements to traditional therapy - this has resulted in work for growing numbers of acupuncturists, herbalists and practitioners of homeopathy, naturopathy, reflexology, reiki and a host of other therapies - as these treatments become better known and accepted, they will be covered in extended health care plans - a faster rate of growth will depend upon the extent of public acceptance of these emerging approaches and the degree to which they are promoted by medical and related professionals - average employment growth is expected over the next few years - Sales Representatives - Pharmaceuticals - skilled sales staff with science degrees required to promote new medical products - aging population will create demand for more drug treatments and health services in the future - Researchers - Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology - ever-growing
need to create new medications and drugs to treat the needs of
the aging population
- Logistics (Transportation and Warehousing) Logistics services are an emerging area of growth in the economy. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has indirectly allowed transportation companies to operate across borders, which has profoundly affected distribution strategies. Companies are looking for smaller and more frequent shipments of goods to minimize inventory and storage costs. The whole process is supported by computerized information systems. Information technology has led to the integration of transportation, storage and distribution activities. Manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers use logistics services, which can be provided in-house, or contracted out to third party logistics suppliers. Logistics services are offered by companies in traditional industries
including: Within the business services area, management consultants, accountants and auditors, customs brokers, information technology consultants and security systems specialists all offer logistics services. Some employment agencies specialize in logistics personnel, from computer consultants to truck drivers. Consultants provide services such as information systems, wireless data transmission, inventory management, shipping software and vehicle-tracking systems for the trucking industry. Some companies specialize in product monitoring and tracking systems like Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), bar-coding and point-of-sale systems. Electronic-commerce and Internet service providers may also provide logistics services. Job opportunities in logistics services include: - Information Technology Consultants, Software Developers and Systems Analysts - customize, set up and maintain computerized information systems like SAP and BAAN - Business Analysts - are often called inventory analysts or distribution analysts - a business administration or accounting degree is helpful - Sales Representatives - sell logistics services such as trucking - Customer Service Representatives - customer service is an important part of logistics services - many companies are using call centre technology to create efficiencies in this area - Shipper/Receivers, Dispatchers, Purchasing and Inventory Clerks - increasingly require computer skills as logistics services are integrated with computerized information systems - Truck Drivers - the Canadian Trucking Alliance reports that recruiting
enough qualified drivers is the most important issue for most
trucking companies - the average age of truck drivers is 50 with
incomes in the $40,000 to $60,000 range for a work week of up
to 50 hours – trucking companies need skilled people who
can handle the increasingly heavy traffic on Canadian and U.S.
roads, severe weather conditions and difficult driving maneuvers
- Manufacturing Highest employment growth will likely be in electrical and electronic manufacturing. Medium growth is forecast for plastics, aircraft and aircraft parts, machinery, furniture, textiles and motor vehicle parts manufacturing. Some of the occupations that will be growing in demand are: - Manufacturing Managers - job prospects are above average - large numbers of managers are near retirement age - managers must be multi-skilled - they need engineering or business backgrounds along with strong communication and leadership skills - Mechanical Engineers and Tooling Designers - now in high demand - there will be above-average demand over the next few years due to continued high levels of investment in the manufacturing sector - mechanical engineers design, install and test manufacturing systems and production processes - they may also design tools - Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians - will be needed to support mechanical engineers - technologists may do tool and die design and mould design especially for the auto parts sector - training in computer-aided design (CAD) will be essential - Electrical and Electronics Engineers - design and develop electrical and electronic control systems including computers and robots - demand for electronic engineers is expected to be good - Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians - support electrical and electronic engineers – will also be in demand - programmable logic control (PLC) programmers need a post-secondary engineering degree or diploma in electronic, electrical or controls technology - Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers - design, set up and monitor manufacturing systems - good demand is expected, especially for those with the latest knowledge of computerized production methods - increased emphasis on product quality will require engineers to have expertise in quality control to meet international (ISO) standards - Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Technologists and Technicians - will be in demand - they assist industrial and manufacturing engineers - included in this group are computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool programmers who program metal cutting machines - Technical Sales Representatives - will be needed to generate sales which drive production - they are usually engineers, technologists, technicians or skilled trades people who explain the technical benefits of their product to buyers - they translate customer requests into technical specifications for production - knowledge of different languages, imports and exports is an asset - Machinists - set up and operate machine tools to cut, grind and shape metals into parts or products with precise dimensions - trend is towards CNC machines, away from non-computerized equipment - engineer or programmer usually programs this equipment, but the machinist must understand the process - Tool and Die Makers - make, repair and modify custom-made, prototype or special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and gauges requiring precise dimensions - there is a strong demand from motor vehicle and parts manufacturers - Metal Mould Makers - are urgently needed by the plastic injection moulding industry to create auto components - tool and die makers are increasing their usage of computer programmable machinery - workers must be able to constantly upgrade their computer skills - Industrial Electricians - have high projected growth rates as robots and other computerized control equipment become more prevalent in automobile and other manufacturing sectors - electricians who can install and repair this equipment usually are employed by industrial plants or large electrical contractors specializing in the installation and maintenance of industrial equipment - Industrial Maintenance Mechanics/Millwrights - maintain and repair stationary production machinery and mechanical equipment - they are multi-skilled in mechanics, electricity and electronics, machining, plumbing, pneumatics, hydraulics and welding - millwrights also need computer knowledge for programmable logic controllers which are being installed on production lines - Production Workers - make up about one-third of manufacturing employees - many workers expected to retire within the next five to six years - these jobs depend on continued export demand - machines may replace retiring people - due to size of the workforce, demand should still continue - Motor Vehicle Assemblers and Electronic Assemblers - should continue
to be in demand due to size of workforce - need to be literate,
able to read computer printouts and work as part of a team - require
skills to monitor and manage computerized production processes
and to meet international standards
- Personal Services Some of the occupations that will be growing in demand are: - Home Helpers,Organizers and Personal Support Workers- perform services such as in-home childcare, in-home elder care, gardening, cooking, cleaning, party preparation, pet care, laundry, ironing and personal shopping - demand for these services will increase because there will be growth in the number of people who work, while caring for children and elderly parents - Early Childhood Educators/Assistants - plan and organize activities that encourage the intellectual, physical and emotional growth of children - sustained growth is anticipated for this occupation due to an increase in the number of dual income families as well as a high turnover rate for this occupation - demographics play a prevalent part in employment prospects - Caretakers and House Sitters - emerging services offered primarily to business people, snowbirds, short-term vacationers and multiple homeowners - care for property, pets, plants and general maintenance in exchange for payment or rent-free accommodations - growth is expected as the economy improves - Estheticians- provide facial and body treatments to enhance or maintain a youthful appearance - will experience growth as the baby boom generation ages - estheticians with broadened skill sets will have more opportunity - Hairstylists and Barbers - shampoo, cut, style and perform related services to hair care - high turnover rate due to movement between salons and a shift to home-based self-employment - strong economy and numerous dual income earners will lead to increased opportunities for this occupation - Employment Counsellors - job prospects are currently excellent and should continue to be good over next few years - people will seek their advice in order to cope with constant change in the workplace - Funeral Directors - arrange and coordinate the various aspects
of funeral services - to be successful, must be sensitive to current
trends - growing popularity of pre-arranged services, cremation,
as well as personalized and custom-made urns and caskets, will
greatly influence this industry
- Retail and Wholesale Trade IBM Canada Ltd., along with the Retail Council of Canada, jointly sponsored a report entitled The Race Is On: Who Will Win Canada’s Internet Shoppers? The findings show that only a quarter of Canada’s top 200 retail companies have developed an Internet site. However, half of the top 200 retailers in the United States have Web sites. As a result, $3 out of every $5 spent online by Canadians goes towards American products. Since this report, other sources have stated that Canadians would be eager to buy Canadian products if they could find enough Canadian merchants online. The key issue with online commerce is delivery of the goods. The bigger players have transportation and warehousing specialists to back up e-commerce efforts. Courier companies like Purolator, United Parcel Service and Federal Express should gain a large chunk of business as online shopping expands. Clusters of big box stores like Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire are a major trend in retail. These "power centres" are surrounded by huge parking lots and are extremely popular with consumers. Retailers like them because it is cheaper to rent space in a power centre than in traditional shopping malls like Yorkdale and Fairview. The outlook for sales occupations will be above average over the next few years. Increased business and consumer spending, fuelled by a booming economy, will boost the demand for both technical and non-technical sales positions. Individuals with excellent communication skills, strong computer skills and the ability to speak a second language will have a competitive advantage in obtaining employment in this field. Some occupations for which job openings are expected include: - Retail Salespersons - as consumer confidence and spending increases, there is need for customer-oriented sales personnel to provide personalized and quality service - due to a high turnover rate in this occupation, there will continue to be many job openings - emerging trends include Internet and telephone sales - employment in this occupation is often part-time - progression to retail supervisory positions is possible with additional training or experience - Technical Sales Representatives -are skilled sales staff, often with a degree or a diploma in a field related to the product being sold - they sell a range of technical goods and services such as telecommunication services, pharmaceuticals, computer equipment, scientific and industrial products - above-average employment growth is expected over the next few years, especially in the areas of chemical, mechanical, electrical and electronic products and services - individuals with advanced computer skills, knowledge of import and export regulations and the ability to speak a second language will have greater success in finding employment - Sales Representatives - Non-Technical - sell non-technical goods and services to retail, wholesale, commercial, industrial and professional clients - university degree or college diploma in a program related to specific product or service is usually required - employment in this field will also be above average over the next few years - most demand will stem from need to replace sales staff who are leaving their existing positions - high proportion of young people due to the entry-level nature of the job - Sales, Marketing and Advertising Managers - above-average growth
expected as businesses and consumers are more confident about
the economy - includes commercial, industrial and wholesale sales,
marketing, advertising and public relations - managers in this
field face rapidly-changing environment due to shifting customer
preferences and increased competition - increasing need for individuals
with good computer skills and an understanding of how technology
can be used
- Information Communications Technologies (ICT) The ICT industry is the fastest-growing sector in the Canadian
economy. Some of the key influences that are combining to transform
it include: The convergence of telephone, cable and computers will result in faster and better service to homes and businesses. The wireless phone market is expected to experience strong growth. It is predicted that half of all Canadians will be using wireless phones by 2003. Almost half of North Americans already use the Internet and that figure is expected to climb to 85% by 2005. Internet banking and shopping on the Internet (e-commerce) will continue to grow rapidly, despite concerns about privacy and security. The telecommunications industry faces some challenges. Companies in Canada are competing with other countries to recruit skilled workers. Canadian educational institutions will be challenged to adapt to this rapidly-changing industry by keeping their courses up-to-date and relevant to employers. Components of ICT that have relatively high levels of emerging occupations compared to other sectors include multimedia, information technology, advanced network technologies, research and development and the Internet. Skill levels are high and usually require post-secondary and graduate education. Occupations that will continue to be in high demand are: - Telecommunications Installers and Repairers - install and repair equipment such as telephones, cellular phones, mobile radios, switch networks and trunking systems - growth in employment should be above average over the next few years - greater use of telecommunications technologies and convergence of telephone, cable and computers will provide opportunities - requires knowledge of both voice and data communications, including wireless, as these technologies merge - worker skills will have to reflect the latest technologies in order to remain competitive - personal communications services (PCS) specialists are needed to repair and service wireless communications devices such as digital phones, pagers, and voice mail - Technical Writers- write manuals, technical papers and publications dealing with installation, operation and maintenance of software and electronic, electrical and mechanical equipment - need excellent technical knowledge, strong writing skills and ability to explain complicated processes in a simple and understandable way - most current demand is in computer field, mainly in software manuals and publications - Wireless Communications Engineers - design, plan, research, evaluate and test wireless communication systems, digital cellular phones, personal communication networks (PCN’s) and transmission towers - wireless area of the telecommunications sector is expanding rapidly - there will be growth potential as the industry moves from analogue to wireless digital or PCN technology over the next five to ten years - Sales and Marketing Specialists- emerging technologies and products
will continue to have a positive impact on employment growth in
sales personnel over the next few years - workers with specialized
knowledge of personal communications services are needed to market
and tailor the next generation of digital telecommunications services
to individual needs - many new uses of wireless communications
will be marketed to a growing audience - there is great potential
for innovative applications, such as remote control of household
appliances. A broad range of employment opportunities exists within tourism and hospitality. The largest number of jobs is found in the food and beverage sector, followed by transportation, accommodation and attractions. There are other industries that produce tourism services but are not dominated by tourism activities. Examples include retail outlets, supermarkets, liquor stores and gas stations. Toronto now has 32,000 hotel rooms and more than 5,000 restaurants to provide for the food, beverage and accommodation needs of visitors. According to Tourism Toronto, the travel and tourism industry accounts for 128,000 jobs in the GTA and this number is growing. Opportunities are constantly growing in entry-level, supervisory and management roles. Global competition is forcing the industry to raise its professional standards and pay accordingly. New and better training programs are being developed locally to help ensure an adequate supply of qualified workers for the tourism industry. Career opportunities are expanding in the following areas: - Chefs- growing popularity of ethnic cuisine amongst multicultural population - Cooks- food catering is expanding - take-home meals from supermarkets becoming popular - Food and Beverage Servers - always in demand - characterized by seasonal peaks, high turnover - Tour Guides - more demand from tourists and conventioneers for organized tours to local attractions - Tour Operators - design, promote and operate package trips to regional getaway destinations, specialty tourism venues and themed touring routes - Special Events Coordinators- help organize conferences, festivals and sporting events - Call Centre Operators - growing need as central reservations systems handle more and more bookings for hotels, airlines, car rental agencies and other travel services - Sales and Marketing Specialists - develop and implement strategies
to raise profile of variety of travel services with customers
who are booking their holidays through Internet
- Management Occupations - Senior Managers - average to above-average employment growth over the next few years, especially for those with specialized technical and communication skills - greater growth will exist in private sector industries like finance, business services and the technology sector - Sales, Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations Managers - better-than-average employment growth is expected - hiring will occur at head offices, many of which are located in GTA - greater confidence in economy is leading to increased spending which encourages firms to increase domestic and international sales efforts - managers will face a rapidly-changing market caused by shifting customer preferences, effects of technology and increased competition and opportunities as result of free trade - continuing trends include sales force automation, database analysis, direct response marketing as well as innovations in communication tools and media marketing techniques - growing demand for people who possess computer skills and understand how technology can be used - rapid expansion anticipated in advertising and public relations firms as result of growing demand from companies contracting out for these services - Manufacturing Managers (Operation, Production and General)- growth prospects will remain above average - increased emphasis on ISO quality standards calls for knowledge of "total-quality-management" and production process improvement - age structure of current workforce is leading to high levels of retirement and new job openings in next few years - knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing is beneficial - strongest growth is expected in motor vehicle and parts manufacturing, metal fabrication, production of electric and electronic goods - Construction Managers - demand for construction managers is expected to increase at an above-average level - increased spending on infrastructure projects such as highways and bridges will result in a greater demand for managers - need for more residential housing, commercial and office buildings and factories will also create openings - although employment of construction managers is sensitive to the short-term nature of projects and cyclical fluctuations in construction activity, many managers still remain employed planning, scheduling and estimating costs of future projects - Banking, Credit and Other Investment Managers - better-than-average employment growth expected - continued growth in investment services due to aging people wishing to invest their savings for retirement - employment opportunities are greater in GTA where many head offices are located - Restaurant and Food Service Managers - employment expected to
increase faster than average for all occupations through 2005
- opportunities best for people with post-secondary education
in restaurant and institutional food service management - growth
stems from population growth, rising personal incomes and increased
leisure time - as aging population swells, more jobs are expected
in nursing homes, residential care facilities and other health
care institutions
- Call Center Occupations The strongest growth for call centres will be found in: New technology is reshaping this industry in many ways. It is used to track telephone call statistics and historical information about client sales. Emerging technologies such as computer telephony integration, automatic call distribution and interactive voice response systems are reshaping the way call centres do business. The future will see higher levels of automation and further investment in advanced technology. The advent of multimedia contact solutions may see virtual call centres become the norm with customers and customer service agents working together via the Internet on the same screen. Some of the occupations that will be growing in demand are: - Supervisors and Managers - Technical Support Personnel
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