Canadian Oil and Gas Industry

You may have heard of, or even know, people who have chosen to relocate to Western Canada to work in the Canadian oil sands, and there is good reason for this.  The Canadian oil and gas industry pays some of the highest wages. Six-figure salaries are not uncommon for entry-level workers.  These jobs are laborious and physically demanding, yet also rewarding.  The oil and gas industry is predicted to double in size in the years to come, increasing the demand for young, strong workers.

Check out this inforgraphic: http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2012/10/12/infographic-drilling-deeper-careers-oil-gas-industry/

Health Information Technology Careers

Careers in healthcare are not limited to nurses, pharmacists, and doctors.  There is, in fact, a whole other branch of healthcare to be explored - Health Information Technology.  The medical field is dynamic and forever changing, especially in terms of technology and advancement, making health IT a promising field.  Electronic health records have slowly been implemented in the healthcare industry. With the hopes of improving patient care and outcomes, eHealth will continue to progress in the future as medicine becomes more technical.  Health Information Technology involves working with electronic health records, diagnostic coding, and increasing the safety and security of patients.  Though it may not be the conventional healthcare career you immediately think of, this career path involves a good starting salary, dynamic and challenging work, and most importantly, job growth.

Jobs in the Healthcare Industry

One of your best bets to gain employment quickly after graduation is to pick a career in the healthcare field.  You most likely have heard of the term Baby Boomer. If not, they are people who were born between 1946 and 1964. Baby Boomers will greatly impact the healthcare field in the future, since a large percentage of current employees within the field are Baby Boomers who are approaching retirement age. This means a number of jobs will open up for recent graduates.  Since one in three Canadians are Baby Boomers, this means that 1/3 of the population will retire from various industries and require additional care in coming years. 

 

Why choose a career in healthcare?

·         The industry is dynamic and fast paced

·         Job growth and job security

·         Opportunity to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team

·         Competitive salary

·         Make an impact and work with people

Important Skills to Get a Job

When you’re looking for a job, it’s important to consider both your hard and soft skills. Your hard skills are your college education, and any relevant certifications and/or internships you’ve completed. Many of your hard skills will come from your academic background, but don’t forget to take the initiative to build extra skills in your field outside of school. This will give you a competitive edge when you apply for jobs. 

Soft skills will be what make you a well-rounded candidate and an asset to any company. Your soft skills pertain to how you conduct yourself:  how do you communicate? Are you professional? Are you able to work well with in a team?  Employers want to see that you are able to communicate clearly and effectively, which is usually conveyed through your resume, cover letter, and during the interview process. Employers also focus on your ability to analyze, problem solve, and be creative.

When you apply for a job, consider the skills listed on the job posting. Prepare examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in the past, so you’re prepared during an interview.

Job Possibilities in the Green Industry

With over 100,000 current employees retiring from the ‘green’ industry in the next decade, workers will be in high demand.  Jobs in the environmental sector can include the traditional green trades, green education, green design and innovation, and many more. Here are some examples:

Green Trades:

• Wind Turbine Technician

-        Increasingly in high demand

-        A background in Engineering Technology is useful for this career

-        Work as part of a small team that repairs, programs, and assesses wind turbines

-        Average wage: $18-26/hour

• Solar Service Technicians

-        Be a part of a small team that repairs and maintains solar installations

-        A licensed or apprenticing electrician can work as a solar technician  

-        Average wage: $20-30/hour

•  HVAC Technician

-        Electrical technician diploma holders can get into this area

-        Apprenticeship opportunities

-        Average wage: $15-30/hour

-         

Green Education

(A background in Public Relations is suggested for these positions (http://www.loyalistcollege.com/programs-and-courses/full-time-programs/public-relations)

• Communications Officer

-        Found in different sectors of the green industry

-        Build and project a company/organization’s profile through media resources

-        If environmental conservation interests you, this could be a great opportunity for you

-        With a diploma in advertising and marketing communications this could become a career possibility

-        Salary is based on experience. For one to four years of experience, employees can expect to earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually. Those with more than 20 years of experience can make as much as $75,000 annually.

• Community Animator

-        If you are outgoing this could be a good fit for you

-        Inform the public about sustainable energy and technology

-        Average wage: $30,000 - $80,000 annually

The Green Energy Industry in Ontario

Did you know that Ontario has one of the largest demands for “green collar” jobs?   With the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, released in 2009, Ontario has increased its focus on renewable and clean energy, energy conservation, and the need for jobs in the related fields.  This act is expected to create at least 50,000 new jobs in the green energy industry, which is promising for students and recent grads.  On top of the jobs created by the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, many workers in the industry are looking at retirement within the next ten years, creating even more potential positions.  According to Eco-Canada Environmental Careers Organization, renewable energy is within the top five green sectors with job vacancies.  Some vacancies within this sector include: quality control management, security advisor, mechanical service technicians, and wind technicians.  Renewable and green energy includes things like hydropower, solar energy, wind energy, biofuels, and many others. If this is the sort of thing that interests you, it is definitely worth a look!

Where Will the Jobs be in 2020?

To view the original infographic, visit http://www.nextpunch.com/job-growth-2020/.

M. Silvester