COVID-19 has created nine new work opportunities in Saskatchewan

The epidemic has boosted demand for some of the professions in Saskatchewan

The government of Canada has recently released its research reports on how the pandemic is influencing labour in each province. It shows the increasing demand for certain professions in Saskatchewan as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. Many companies have suffered as a result of pandemic-related shutdowns, including tourism and hospitality. Many people were left unemployed or had their hours reduced. Other industries, on the other hand, saw a rise in job opportunities. Here are nine jobs that have witnessed an increase in demand. The positions are listed with their National Occupational Classification (NOC) code:

1. NOC 6232 - Real estate brokers and salespeople

Real estate agents and salespeople are professions that work as agents for the sale or acquisition of real estate. This comprises houses, apartments, commercial properties, and other types of real estate. The COVID-19 epidemic had no effect on the employment of these professions wherein the demand for these professions is still high. Throughout the epidemic, virtual meetings have provided agents with much-needed flexibility. These meetings would aid in the marketing of property to prospective purchasers. 

2. NOC 7511 - Drivers of transport trucks

The main task of truck drivers is to carry products and various materials across the state and international borders. They are primarily employed with the firms working primarily in the field of distribution, transportation, manufacturing and relocation companies. Truck driver employment increased by 8% in April 2020 compared to April 2019. Truck drivers are always in high demand across Canada, owing to a long-standing lack of truck drivers.

3. NOC 6315 - Cleaning supervisors

Cleaning supervisors manage and supervise the employees and tasks assigned to them. They primarily work as cleaners, caretakers, janitors, and superintendents. These professionals are generally hired by hospitals, health care facilities, schools, hotels and other businesses. The cleaning supervisor employment rate increased by 13% in April 2020 compared to April 2019. This surge may come as no surprise, given that improved cleaning methods were a top goal during the COVID-19 epidemic.

4. NOC 7521 - Operators of heavy machinery

These professionals are experts in road building, bridges, airports and tunnels among other things while working for construction firms, heavy equipment contractors, and other businesses. When compared to April 2019, employment for these specialists increased by 11% in April 2020. It is worth mentioning that Saskatchewan announced a USD 7.5 billion infrastructure investment over the next two years. This alone implies that vocations such as heavy equipment operators will be in high demand in near future.

5. NOC 9241 - Engineers and operators of power systems

Power engineers are experts in handling reactors, boilers, generators, turbines, engines, and other equipment which are used for heat, light and refrigeration purposes. In electrical control centers, power system operators monitor and operate switchboards while regulating the distribution of electrical power. In comparison to the corresponding period for April 2020 in 2019, employment opportunities for engineers and operators of power systems have increased by a staggering 208%. These professions were in high demand throughout the epidemic.

6. NOC 6622 - Stock managers, clerks and order takers

These workers pack clients' purchases, price things, stock shelves while fulfilling mail and phone orders. They are primarily employed at department stores, grocery stores, retail establishments, warehouses and so on. If the period of April 2020 is compared with April 2019, employment opportunities in these fields have grown by nearly 123%. Due to the shift in consumer purchasing habits during the epidemic, there has been an upsurge in demand for critical products. As a result, several grocery stores have employed more shelf stockers and order fillers.

7. NOC 2171 - Analysts and consultants in information systems

IT analysts and consultants are experts in evaluating and testing the system requirements. They also create and execute strategies, policies, and processes, and offer advice on a wide range of information systems challenges. The employment opportunities for these professionals have increased by 38% during April 2020 while comparing it for the same corresponding period in the previous year. During the epidemic, there has been a trend toward increasing technology usage, as more and more people work or study from home.

8. NOC 3012 - Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses

These nurses provide nursing care to patients, as well as health education and advisory services. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and private residences. When compared to April 2019, employment for these nurses increased by 33% in April 2020. As this job is important in identifying and caring for COVID-19 patients, there is a high need for registered nurses.

9. NOC 2282 - Technicians who provide user assistance

User support technicians assist computer users who are having problems with their computer hardware or software. They work for software developers, contact centres, computer hardware makers, and information technology departments. When compared to April 2019, employment in this occupation increased by 38% in April 2020. The rise in demand for this employment is also due to the growing use of technology as more businesses and individuals migrate to remote work. If you work in one of these jobs, you can immigrate to Saskatchewan.

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

Economic immigration to Canadian provinces and territories occurs to meet labour market demands throughout the country and to promote the country's economic growth. Highly skilled and experienced individuals have opportunities to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the high-demand occupation routes to certain Canadian provinces.

You can also apply for permanent residence through one of Canada's three primary economic class immigration programs i.e., the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). To administer applications for one of these programs, Canada uses the Express Entry system.

Before proceeding with Express Entry, check the National Occupational Classification (NOC) to ensure that you are skilled in the occupation demanded and for that your NOC code should be either skill type 0 or level A or level B. Only the jobs listed below are eligible for Express Entry:

• Real estate Agents and salespeople;
• Supervisors of cleaning;
• Engineers and operators of electricity systems;
• Analysts and consultants in information systems;
• Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses are also available.
• Technicians who provide user assistance.

Saskatchewan has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) as well popularly known as Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). The province has a sub-category for in-demand occupations under the International Skilled Worker category. When the SINP holds a draw, the list of qualified occupations for that draw is also made public.

If you also have an Express Entry profile, you may be able to apply for Express Entry-related immigration programs in the province. This covers the Saskatchewan Express Entry subcategory, as well as the International Skilled Worker category.

So far in 2021, only persons with work experience as user support technicians, power engineers, or power system operators have been welcomed through Saskatchewan Express Entry. Those with experience as information systems analysts and consultants were also encouraged to apply under the Occupation In-Demand sub-category.