As the world becomes increasingly globalized, many countries are competing to attract and retain skilled workers to grow local economies. Since implementing a points-based system in the 1960s, the government of Canada has become a leader in transforming immigration. In 2015, the government introduced the Express Entry application process, which is a fast-track system designed to manage skilled immigrants settle in Canada.
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In alignment with the federal system, several provinces across Canada have prioritized specific occupations for express entry through provincial nominee programs. The Ontario Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities stream has recently launched a list of National Occupational Classification (NOC) Codes for targeted occupations in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Like many provinces across Canada, Ontario is currently facing a human capital shortage in the technology sector, with thousands of local graduates failing to meet the demands of the growing economy.
Check our list below for more details about the top 10 technology careers in demand across Ontario:
- Telecommunication Carriers Managers: Telecommunication carriers managers manage, organize, plan, and evaluate the processes of telecommunication institutions, units, and facilities. They analyze and assess telecommunication installation and maintenance services, and coordinate with internal and external companies to maintain efficient telecommunications system operations. To get hired as a telecommunications carriers manager, you will need to have a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Most telecommunication carriers managers are usually employed by wired, wireless, or satellite telecommunication service providers.
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: Computer and information systems (CIS) managers evaluate, control, plan, and organize the activities of organizations that administer computer and telecommunications software and information systems. CIS Managers can be found in almost all public and private organizations, including government offices, academic institutions, and nonprofit agencies. If you have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering and you are highly organized, this could be the right job for you!
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers: Electrical and electronic engineers plan, design, research, and monitor electrical equipment and systems in a variety of settings. They are often employed in manufacturing, processing and transportation, communications technologies, electrical utilities companies, and consulting firms. Although only a bachelor’ degree in electrical engineering is required, a master’s or doctoral degree in electrical engineering or a related field could add value to your résumé.
- Computer Engineers: Computer engineers conduct research, evaluate, design, and develop telecommunication hardware and information and communication system networks. Typically employed in engineering, manufacturing, telecommunication firms, educational, and research institutions, there are a variety of roles to fill within information technology departments in both private and public sectors organizations. A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or a related degree in engineering physics or computer science is usually required by employers, and a master’s or doctoral degree can increase your chances of getting hired. Note, at this time, software engineers and designers are not included in this category for the purposes of the Ontario Provincial Nominee program.
- Information Systems Analysts: Information systems analysts and consultants analyze, develop, and implement information system development plans and provide guidance on how to develop information systems and system requirements. These professionals are often employed in information technology firms within the private and public sectors. Most employers prefer hiring candidates who have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline.
- Database Analysts: Database analysts design and analyze data management software. They are often employed in information technology departments in either private or public organizations and manage databases for information systems projects. Database analysts are often employed in information technology units within private and public sectors and consulting firms. A bachelor’s degree in computer science is normally required or a degree in a related field such as mathematics.
- Software Engineers and Designers: Software engineers and designers create and integrate software applications, operating systems, and embedded software information into business processes. They are usually employed by development firms in the private and public sector, including government and nonprofit organizations. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer systems, software engineering or mathematics is usually required.
- Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers: Computer programmers and interactive media developers write and revise software code. Computer programmers maintain existing computer programs by modifying and identifying technical problems and providing solutions, while interactive media developers are responsible for programming animation software, and special effects software for film and video applications. These roles are often employed by information technology consulting firms, information technology units within private and public sectors, and startup and technology ventures. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related degree such as computer systems engineering, software engineering, and mathematics is usually required by employers.
- Web Designers and Developers: Web designers and developers research, design, and maintain Internet and Intranet sites. Working in private and public organizations, they liaise with clients as website architects. Web designers and developers are often employed by computer software development firms and advertising agencies. A bachelor’s degree in either computer science or communications and business studies, or the completion of a college program in computer science, graphic arts, web design or business is typically required by employers.
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians provide technical support services in the development, testing, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems. Technologists and technicians are usually employed in electrical utility companies by manufacturers of electrical/electronic equipment, consulting firms or communication firms. A two or three-year college program in electrical or electronics engineering is usually required by employers. A certification in electrical or electronics engineering technology from a provincial association of engineering may be required and can often increase your chances in getting hired.
Sahra Togone
Sahra Togone is a Research and Policy Intern at WES Global Talent Bridge Canada.
