Exploring Career Opportunities in Northern Canada
This month we wanted to feature in-demand careers in Canada’s territories. For educators in Northern Canada, jump ahead to explore some of the lesson plans you can use with your students to have them learn about some of these sectors.
Construction
With expansion occurring in Northern Canada, the construction industry will be one that continues to flourish. In the Northwest Territories, skilled trades are predicted to make up 8 percent of job openings between 2015 and 2030, with carpenters and electricians being the most in-demand. Construction is also a key industry in Yukon, and one of the most rapidly expanding sectors in Nunavut.
Occupations in the construction industry are not just limited to carpenters and electricians. Consider having students explore other construction-related occupations, such as plumbers, heavy equipment operators, architects, and engineers.
Education
In Northern Canada, the education sector is one that is predicted to see an increase in demand, with teachers being needed in the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut.
The Northwest Territories is expecting to have almost 800 job openings for elementary teachers and counsellors between 2018 and 2027, with these occupations topping their list of future job openings.
With the demand extending to other educational occupations, such as secondary teachers, early childhood educators and assistants, and college and vocational instructors, be sure to have students check out some of these different career options when considering a future in the education sector!
Healthcare
Healthcare, and nursing, in particular, is set to be one of the most in-demand sectors in Canada, with a shortage of 60,000 nurses predicted by 2022 due to the aging population in the country. This nursing shortage is nowhere more evident than in Canada’s territories.
With the high demand for nurses and other healthcare professionals in Northern Canada, there may be some additional perks to keep in mind, such as an increased salary, relocation assistance, and student loan forgiveness.
In addition to nurses, encourage your students to investigate occupations such as medical doctors, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, social workers, and pharmacists.
Hospitality and Tourism
Tourism in Northern Canada is becoming increasingly popular and is becoming a key industry in many places, including Yukon.
The territories have some of the most beautiful national parks, such as Sirmilik National Park in Nunavut and the Nahanni National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These hidden gems appeal to adventurists, animal and nature lovers, and those seeking to experience diverse landscapes, including mountain ranges, waterfalls, caves, and glaciers.
In addition to tourism centred on hunting and fishing, Northern Canada is also becoming one of the best destinations to visit in order to experience the Northern Lights. With the increasing popularity of adventure travel and the desire to experience the unknown, the tourism industry should be one that continues to see growth in the coming years.
Have students explore various careers in tourism, including tour and travel guides, guest services representatives, event planners, as well as occupations in related industries, such as those in marketing and sales.
Mining
In Northern Canada, the mining industry will continue to see growth, particularly in Yukon and Nunavut, with new gold mines opening in these territories and high gold prices. With this growth comes a demand for certain occupations, including trades and production occupations, as well as different types of technologists and technicians.
In addition to the above-mentioned occupations, consider having students take a look at other careers related to mining, including geologists, surveyors, and engineers.
Lesson Plans: Exploring Careers in Northern Canada
Here are three lesson plans that can easily be used to have students explore in-demand occupations in Northern Canada. They are easily modifiable, in order to meet your students’ specific interests and needs.
This lesson will encourage students to explore different educational and employment pathways while reflecting on their interests and suitability for different occupation sectors. This activity can easily be adapted to have students explore a few occupations related to those that are in demand in Northern Canada.
This activity will help students create a career portfolio to present to potential employers and educators. Consider having students choose an in-demand occupation from those listed above and create a career portfolio for this occupation.
Looking for additional portfolio ideas? Check out all of our Exemplar Portfolios to see how portfolios can be used to meet your needs.
This lesson will have students explore the value of apprenticeships and determine some of the different apprenticeships that are available to them.
Please share your feedback with us
We’d love to hear how you’re engaging your students in workforce trends relevant to their communities. Let us know your ideas in the comments or reach out to us directly.
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Photography by Luke Besley, NeONBRAND, Hush Naidoo, HyunKuk Kim, and Shane McLendon on Unsplash
