The Canadian economy suffered a negative impact during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hundreds of people lost their jobs and had to face reduced hours. Many occupations were shifted to work from home. While certain sectors of the economy suffered, others were able to adapt to this sudden change and overcome pandemic challenges.
The Canadian government conducted a study to identify the occupations that increased in demand across provinces and territories post-pandemic. Prince Edward Island’s labor market also experienced an increase in demand for certain occupations.
Which Occupations Increased In Demand in Prince Edward Island Post-COVID-19 Pandemic?
Management Occupations
During the pandemic, there was an increase in home renovation projects leading to an increased demand for home renovation managers. Since construction activity is expected to grow, vacancies in this occupation may increase. The demand for agriculture managers also increased to support local businesses during the pandemic. The following National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes increased in demand under management occupations:
- Home Building and Renovation Managers - NOC 0712
- Managers in Agriculture - NOC 0821
Business, Finance, and Administration Occupations
Workers in this occupation are required across all industries to plan and implement business and administrative policies. Demand for administrative officers is particularly increasing in the educational and healthcare services sector. The following NOC code increased in demand post-pandemic:
- Administrative Officers - NOC 1221
Natural and Applied Sciences, and Related Occupations
Since workers under this occupation were able to transition to work from home during the pandemic, they were not severely impacted by the pandemic-related restrictions. The demand for information system analysts increased across industries to support the transition of working systems online. These workers were also required in schools and universities to support online classrooms. The following NOC codes increased in demand post-pandemic:
- Information System Analysts and Consultants - NOC 2171
- Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers - NOC 2174
- User Support Technician - NOC 2282
Healthcare Occupations
Prince Edward Island already had a shortage of registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, and licensed practical nurses. Due to the pandemic, there is an urgency to fill these vacancies in the healthcare sector. The following NOC codes increased in demand post-pandemic:
- Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses - NOC 3012
- Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists - NOC 3222
- Licensed Practical Nurses - NOC 3233
- Nurses Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates - NOC 3412
Jobs in Education, Law, and Social Community and Government Services
The demand for these occupations was consistent during and post-pandemic. Social workers were able to adapt to the pandemic-related restrictions by shifting to video conferencing. The demand for home support workers also increased, as well as elementary and secondary school teachers. More government service workers were hired to spread awareness about the pandemic. The following NOC codes increased in demand post-pandemic:
- Social Workers - NOC 4152
- Social and Community Service Workers - NOC 4212
- Home Support Workers, Housekeepers, and Related Occupations - NOC 4412
- Elementary and Secondary School Teachers - NOC 4413
