Nova Scotia jobs in-demand because of COVID-19

COVID-19 measures have forced the workplace to look drastically different from how it was before, and some sectors have had more success than others making the adjustments.

Canada released a government study that highlights the jobs that were affected by the pandemic in Nova Scotia.

Many Canadians lost their jobs or saw their hours reduced as a result of public health measures to curb the spread of the virus. The sectors that were affected the most include the hospitality sector.

However, other jobs saw an increase in demand. The following are some of these jobs. They are listed below with their National Occupational Classification (NOC) code.

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1. Business, finance and administration jobs

Many of these jobs can be conducted remotely, and therefore were not negatively impacted by pandemic-related health measures.
The following are some of the jobs that are in demand:

Financial auditors and accountants (NOC 1111);
Administrative officers (NOC 1221);
Administrative assistants (NOC 1241);
General office support workers (NOC 1411).

2. Natural and applied sciences and related jobs

These jobs fared relatively well throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Many were able to continue working while respecting physical distancing and other health measures, or while working remotely.

Those in various engineering fields have enjoyed good employment prospects, and the number of people working in computer and information systems jobs has been increasing steadily in Nova Scotia.

Below are some of the jobs that are in demand:

Information systems analysts and consultants (NOC 2171);
Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173);
Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174);
Deck officers, water transport (NOC 2273);
User support technicians (NOC 2282).

3. Health jobs

One tenth of the workforce in Nova Scotia work in health occupations. Demand for these jobs existed before COVID-19 because of the province’s aging population and the increasing popularity of homecare. The pandemic increased demand further.

Here are some of the jobs that have been positively impacted:

Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012);
Licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233);
Massage therapists (NOC 3236);
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 3413).

4. Trades, transport and equipment operators and related jobs

The pandemic did not largely affect many construction jobs. Professionals had to commit to physical distancing requirements as well as using personal protective equipment (PPE) on-site.

Less specialized construction jobs like carpenters, labourers and helpers are in-demand and this is expected to continue.

Specialized tradespersons and heavy equipment operators may also be in demand because of an increasing number of healthcare, highway and private sector projects.

Long-haul truck drivers were already in-demand pre-pandemic. This demand has increased significantly.

Here is a list of some of the jobs that may be in demand in Nova Scotia:

Carpenters (NOC 7271);
Transport truck drivers (NOC 7511);
Delivery and courier service drivers (NOC 7514);
Heavy equipment operators, except crane (NOC 7521);
Construction trades helpers and labourers (NOC 7611).

How you can immigrate to Nova Scotia

If you wish to immigrate to Nova Scotia permanently, then you may have a few options to choose from.

Canada’s provinces and territories attract and retain immigrants to address provincial labour market needs. This is to support Canada’s economic growth.

If you have work experience, particularly in an in-demand job, then you may have various opportunities to get permanent residence in Canada.
You can also use your work experience as part of an application for permanent residence through one of Canada’s main economic class immigration programs:

the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP);
the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

To do this, you will need to use Canada’s federal Express Entry system. However, it is important to note that this system is strictly for skilled work.

Of the jobs listed above, only the following jobs would be considered skilled:

Financial auditors and accountants (NOC 1111);
Administrative officers (NOC 1221);
Administrative assistants (NOC 1241);
Information systems analysts and consultants (NOC 2171);
Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173);
Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174);
Deck officers, water transport (NOC 2273);
User support technicians (NOC 2282);
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012);
Licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233);
Massage therapists (NOC 3236);
Carpenters (NOC 7271).

In addition, Nova Scotia has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with some immigration options for those with work experience.

The province’s Skilled Worker Stream targets skilled workers, semi-skilled workers and low-skilled workers who have a job offer from an employer in Nova Scotia.

The Occupation In-Demand Stream targets those who have a job offer in an intermediate-skilled occupation (NOC Skill Level C).

Skilled applicants who have worked for an employer in the province for at least a year, and who have an Express Entry profile may opt to apply through the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry stream.

Nova Scotia also has the Labour Market Priorities stream for Express Entry candidates who meet certain provincial labour market needs.

Another option to consider is the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP). This fast-track immigration program allows employers in the Atlantic provinces to hire foreign nationals for jobs that they were not able to fill in Canada. Employers do not need to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire foreign nationals through the AIP.

The Atlantic provinces are: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island.

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