BCIT Pandemic-Resilient Jobs Report identifies most in-demand jobs for 2021 and beyond

What does the future hold? While the past year has taught us that it’s impossible to predict, we can look at current trends in today’s workforce to more accurately forecast opportunities for tomorrow’s. That’s why the SITE Centre of Excellence produced the BCIT Pandemic-Resilient Jobs Report. By looking at economic trends across BC sectors combined with recent and prospective employment patterns, the study spotlights the most in-demand jobs of the decade.

Data was compiled from WorkBC, BC Stats, the British Columbia Labour Market Outlook, proprietary research, and province-wide job postings to identify specific opportunities for hundreds of individual professions. Of the 128 careers designated as high-opportunity occupations (HOOs), 71 are supported by training offered across BCIT programs. 

A comparison of all of the job postings from March to December 2020 shows that graduates from BCIT remain in high demand. BCIT has always been recognized for preparing students for fulfilling careers, so it’s no surprise that two-thirds of the top 50 HOOs—high-paying jobs that are also in high demand—are BCIT-related. Overall, BCIT offers programs that are aligned to 100% of opportunities in trades, 85% of those in management, 52% for technical professions, and 50% for administration. 

“Over the next decade, the provincial government expects 861,000 job openings in 130 different fields, and many of those can get their start at BCIT,” shared Dr. Kevin Wainwright, Director, BCIT SITE Centre of Excellence. “Students looking for pandemic-resilient jobs need to look no further than BCIT. With applied learning and industry connections at its core, BCIT programs pave the path to a meaningful career that can withstand the pressures of an ever-changing world.”

Here’s a closer look at some of the leading prospects for students, now and in the near future, and the BCIT programs that prepare you for them.

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Construction managers

BC remains one of the world’s most desirable destinations to live and work—and that means it’s one of the best places to build. Looking to the decade ahead, about 6,650 jobs are projected to open for construction managers. You can train for this high-opportunity career with the full-time Architectural and Building Technology diploma, where the Economics and Construction Operations elective pairs you with a sponsor for an industry-based practicum.

Business managers and administrators

Being in charge of the day-to-day operations of a business is a rewarding career—and the prospects in BC are huge between now and 2029. With almost 18,000 roles opening for retail and wholesale trade managers, over 8,700 for restaurant managers, and nearly 14,800 for administrative officers, this category boasts some of the highest numbers of job opportunities. Get ready for them with the full-time Business Management diploma, which empowers graduates to grow and thrive in a wide range of physical and virtual workplaces.

Civil engineers

The same dynamics that make BC a great region for residential and commercial development also make it a growing hub of infrastructure, and the demand for civil engineers is going to remain strong—over 3,700 positions are set to open in the coming years. The Civil Engineering program starts with a full-time diploma that can be extended into a complete Bachelor of Engineering depending on your future goals.

Computer programmers

The 2020s began with an uptake in digital systems for business, education, and even public services. Many of these changes are here to stay, so it’s only natural that computer programming is singled out as an HOO in BC.

BCIT Computing offers several full-time Computing and IT diploma programs that provide skilled, job-ready graduates to all sectors. Aside from the Computer Systems Technology (CST) diploma, there is the Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems (CST BTech) with two full-time and five different part-time options including IT Security. BCIT Forensics also delivers an advanced certificate and degree in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity.

Additionally, there are full-time Computer Information Technology (CIT) and Full-Stack Web Development (FSWD) diploma programs, along with four Technology Professional programs (TPP).

Every year, BCIT Computing has over 3,500 individual students registered in 30 full and part-time IT credential programs. Graduates are problem solvers who find work as software developers, web and mobile application creators, network and systems integrators, information analysts, database administrators, agile practitioners, IT managers, and IT security developers, across all job sectors.

Interactive media developers

Along with the need for computer programmers, there’s a surging demand for interactive media developers. While we rely on programmers to solve complex IT problems and write the code required for our digital infrastructure, interactive media developers create the engaging, immersive experiences for online platforms and apps. The Digital Design and Development diploma is a full-time program that prepares students for this job. 

Automotive service technicians

This is a province of devoted drivers and avid adventurers, with some of the world’s most scenic roadways and highways. The growth in this sector is going to stay as strong as ever, with an estimated 5,500 new jobs, and the Automotive Service Technician and Operations program will continue to meet the demand. The diploma includes two paid 22-week co-op terms, giving students the opportunity to gain real-world experience before joining the workforce or continuing on to formal apprenticeship training.

Registered nurses

With a growing and aging population, there’s going to be a massive need for registered nurses in BC. It’s expected that more than 17,800 will be recruited to the province’s hospitals, clinics, and care facilities in the years ahead. The full-time Nursing program makes sure students are more than ready, with state-of-the-art simulation labs and industry leading clinical placements. 

Facility operations managers

Whether electric power generation, thermal engineering, refrigeration, or pressurized systems and boilers, BC needs certified experts to keep our critical hardware running. It’s why the province is expecting to add over 4,200 new positions for facility operations managers between now and 2029. The Power Engineering program offers part-time and full-time study options that equip graduates with the skills—and certificate or diploma—they’ll need for such a diverse field.

Computer and information systems managers

An increase in digital products, applications and services in everyday life means an increase in the technology companies that develop and support them. And these companies need more than just technical talent—they need skillful and strategic management. As BC anticipates over 4,400 new jobs for computer and information systems managers, the Technology Management program brings together applied training and business leadership to get graduates ready for these exciting roles. Best of all, course delivery includes part-time and online options so professionals can upskill while they continue to work.

Looking ahead in 2021 and beyond

The world is always changing, but there are critical jobs that BC needs now. Students who train for these in-demand occupations now will benefit from security, prosperity, and a wealth of options as they advance through their careers. 

Take a closer look at these sectors with Deans across BCIT who have shared their insights on the opportunities available in: Business and Media; Health Sciences; Computing and IT; Trades and Apprenticeships; and Transportation. If you’re wondering which path is best suited for you, talk to an advisor today or register for an upcoming information session.

View the full BCIT Pandemic-Resilient Jobs Report 2021