Saskatchewan Employment Outlook Report

Saskatchewan Employment Outlook Report

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Introduction

This report highlights some occupational outlooks that have either improved or been adversely affected in 2020.

While the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were the primary factor contributing to the appearance of occupations on this list, other dynamics may have been involved in some cases.

Occupations were included in this report based upon analysis of Labour Force Survey and administrative data (employment insurance claims and job postings), as well as qualitative analysis of labour market events and occupational research.

Each occupational narrative includes the following:

  • Job Description,
  • COVID-19 observation (as applicable),
  • Employment change statement,
  • Listing of primary industries, and
  • Qualitative remark(s)

Given the changing nature of the economy and labour market, these outlooks/trends are not long-term.

Choose a NOC

Impacted Occupations

6513 Food and beverage servers

  • Food and beverage servers take patrons' food and beverage orders and serve orders to patrons. They are employed in restaurants, hotels, bars, taverns, private clubs, banquet halls and similar establishments.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions that caused employment for food and beverage servers to fall significantly in Saskatchewan.
  • Employment for this occupation was 75% lower in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended higher year-over-year.
  • Food and beverage servers work in the following industry:
    • accommodation and food services.
  • Business closures due to financial loss, government-mandated closures, restricted occupancy levels and reduced operating hours in restaurants, bars and similar food-serving establishments have contributed to widespread layoffs in this occupation. The steep rise in Covid-19 cases in Q4-2020, winter weather, and an increase in take-out and delivery orders will reduce server customer bases and earnings potential.
  • Demand for this occupation will remain uncertain with COVID-19 present.

4412 Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations

  • Home support workers provide personal care and companionship for seniors, persons with disabilities and convalescent clients. Care is provided within the client's residence, in which the home support worker may also reside. They are employed by home care and support agencies, private households, or they may be self-employed. Housekeepers perform housekeeping and other home management duties in private households and other non-institutional, residential settings.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions. However, employment for home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations in Saskatchewan was not affected.
  • Home support workers, housekeepers and related occupations work in the following industries:
    • health care and social assistance
    • other services (except public administration).
  • During the onset of the pandemic, there was reduced demand for this occupation due to social distancing measures to contain COVID-19. Many workers in this client-facing occupation provide personal care in their client's residence, and may face higher levels of stress linked to the possible transmission of COVID-19.
  • Although there has been some recovery in recent months, demand for this occupation will remain uncertain with COVID-19 present.

1411 General office support workers

  • General office support workers prepare correspondence, reports, statements and other material, operate office equipment, answer telephones, verify, record and process forms and documents such as contracts and requisitions and perform general clerical duties according to established procedures. They are employed in offices throughout the public and private sectors.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions that caused employment for general office support workers to fall significantly in Saskatchewan.
  • Employment for this occupation was 27% lower in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended higher year-over-year.
  • General office support workers work in the following industries:
    • public administration
    • health care and social assistance
    • educational services.
  • Demand for workers in this occupation has declined during the pandemic as more office employees work from home. Many establishments are embracing telework long-term, which will somewhat reduce the need for in-person clerical support.
  • Demand for this occupation will remain uncertain with COVID-19 present.

4214 Early childhood educators and assistants

  • Early childhood educators plan, organize and implement programs for children between the ages of infancy and 12 years. Early childhood educator assistants provide care for infants and preschool- to school-age children under the guidance of early childhood educators. Early childhood educators and assistants lead children in activities to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical and emotional growth and ensure their security and well-being. They are employed in child-care centres, daycare centres, kindergartens, agencies for exceptional children and other settings where early childhood education services are provided. Supervisors of early childhood educators and assistants are included in this unit group.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions that caused employment for early childhood educators and assistants to fall significantly in Saskatchewan.
  • Employment for this occupation was 41% lower in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended higher year-over-year.
  • Early childhood educators and assistants work in the following industry:
    • health care and social assistance.
  • Early childhood educators and assistants have been impacted by capacity restrictions imposed on daycares throughout the pandemic. Families with immunocompromised or otherwise vulnerable individuals in their circle may have opted to keep their children home, rather than sending them to daycare.
  • Demand for this occupation will remain uncertain with COVID-19 present.

5254 Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

  • Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness lead and instruct groups and individuals in recreational, sports, fitness or athletic programs. They are employed by community centres, sports and fitness clubs, outdoor centres, resorts, recreational facilities, health care facilities, retirement homes, correctional institutions, government departments, private businesses, tourism associations and similar establishments.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions that caused employment for program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness to fall significantly in Saskatchewan.
  • Employment for this occupation was 4% lower in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended higher year-over-year.
  • Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness work in the following industries:
    • arts, entertainment and recreation
    • educational services.
  • Employment opportunities for recreational instructors remain limited as group sports and group fitness classes are difficult to conduct safely during the pandemic. Individuals may be reluctant to participate in group settings for health and safety reasons, further reducing demand for this occupation.
  • Demand for this occupation will remain uncertain with COVID-19 present.

6341 Hairstylists and barbers

  • Hairstylists and barbers cut and style hair and perform related services. They are employed in hairstyling or hairdressing salons, barber shops, vocational schools, health care establishments and theatre, film and television establishments.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions that caused employment for hairstylists and barbers to fall significantly in Saskatchewan.
  • Employment for this occupation was 48% lower in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended higher year-over-year.
  • Hairstylists and barbers work in the following industry:
    • other services (except public administration).
  • Salons and barbershops continue to be financially impacted by the pandemic because of physical distancing requirements and enhanced cleaning. Hairstylists and barbers in this customer-facing occupation are seeing fewer clients a day.
  • Demand for this occupation will remain uncertain with COVID-19 present.

6421 Retail salespersons

  • Retail salespersons sell, rent or lease a range of technical and non-technical goods and services directly to consumers. They are employed by stores and other retail businesses, as well as wholesale businesses that sell on a retail basis to the public.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions that caused employment for retail salespersons to fall significantly in Saskatchewan.
  • Employment for this occupation was 36% lower in April 2020 compared to April 2019. Similarly, average employment levels in 2020 trended lower year-over-year.
  • Retail salespersons work in the following industries:
    • retail trade
    • wholesale trade.
  • Retailers have largely been open for in-person business except during the earlier portion of the pandemic. However, many shoppers remain cautious to shop in-person and there is a shift towards online shopping. For retail salespersons, this has resulted in fewer shifts and somewhat limited job opportunities.
  • Demand for this occupation will remain uncertain with COVID-19 present.

6711 Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations

  • Food counter attendants and food preparers prepare, heat and finish cooking simple food items and serve customers at food counters. Kitchen helpers, food service helpers and dishwashers clear tables, clean kitchen areas, wash dishes, and perform various other activities to assist workers who prepare or serve food and beverages. They are employed by restaurants, cafés, hotels, fast food outlets, cafeterias, hospitals and other establishments.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions that caused employment for food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations to fall significantly in Saskatchewan.
  • Employment for this occupation was 47% lower in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended higher year-over-year.
  • Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers and related support occupations work in the following industries:
    • accommodation and food services
    • health care and social assistance.
  • Business closures due to financial loss, government-mandated closures, restricted occupancy levels and reduced operating hours in restaurants, cafeterias and other food-serving establishments have contributed to job loss and reduced hours in this occupation. The trend towards increased take-out and delivery orders could further reduce the need for some kitchen-related tasks such as dishwashing.
  • Demand for this occupation will remain uncertain with COVID-19 present.

7512 Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators

  • Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators drive buses and operate streetcars, subway trains and light rail transit vehicles to transport passengers on established routes. Bus drivers are employed by urban transit systems, school boards or transportation authorities and private transportation companies. Streetcar, subway and light rail transit operators are employed by urban transit systems.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions that caused employment for bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators to fall significantly in Saskatchewan.
  • Employment for this occupation was 44% lower in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended higher year-over-year.
  • Bus drivers, subway operators and other transit operators work in the following industries:
    • transportation and warehousing
    • educational services.
  • Transit service reductions and school closures have negatively impacted this occupation during the first several months of the pandemic. The Government of Saskatchewan has encouraged working from home wherever possible, while post-secondary schools are continuing to operate via remote learning, further reducing the demand for public transit.
  • Demand for this occupation will remain uncertain with COVID-19 present.

6322 Cooks

  • Cooks prepare and cook a wide variety of foods. They are employed in restaurants, hotels, hospitals and other health care institutions, central food commissaries, educational institutions and other establishments. Cooks are also employed aboard ships and at construction and logging campsites.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions that caused employment for cooks to fall significantly in Saskatchewan.
  • Employment for this occupation was 17% lower in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended higher year-over-year.
  • Cooks work in the following industries:
    • accommodation and food services
    • health care and social assistance.
  • Business closures due to financial loss, government-mandated closures, restricted occupancy levels and reduced operating hours in restaurants and other food-serving establishments have contributed to job loss and reduced hours in this occupation.
  • Demand for this occupation will remain uncertain with COVID-19 present.

Recovery Occupations

7205 Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers

  • Contractors and supervisors of other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers supervise and co-ordinate the activities of various tradespersons, installers, repairers and servicers classified in the following minor groups: Masonry and Plastering Trades (728), Other Construction Trades (729) and Other Installers, Repairers and Servicers (744). This unit group also includes prefabricated product installation and service contractors. They are employed by a wide range of establishments; places of employment are usually indicated in the unit group descriptions or they may operate their own business.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions. Employment for contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers in Saskatchewan did not initially decline but has been affected overall.
  • Employment for this occupation was 38% higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended lower year-over-year.
  • Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers work in the following industry:
    • construction.
  • This broad occupation was in demand during the May to October 2020 period as many of the sub-trades involved, such as roofing and painting contractors, are central to the renovation boom seen in Saskatchewan and nation-wide. Bicycle repair shop supervisors were also in demand during the spring and summer months.

6232 Real estate agents and salespersons

  • Real estate agents and salespersons act as agents for the sale or purchase of houses, apartments, commercial buildings, land and other real estate. They are employed in the real estate industry.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions. However, employment for real estate agents and salespersons in Saskatchewan was not affected.
  • Real estate agents and salespersons work in the following industry:
    • real estate and rental and leasing.
  • Demand for real estate agents remained buoyant for much of 2020, due to the surprising resilience of the Saskatchewan housing market. Virtual viewings have provided realtors with greater flexibility in marketing units to would-be buyers. Many realtors are self-employed, and routinely set their own hours according to their workload.

7511 Transport truck drivers

  • Transport truck drivers operate heavy trucks to transport goods and materials over urban, interurban, provincial and international routes. They are employed by transportation, manufacturing, distribution and moving companies, and trucking employment service agencies, or they may be self-employed. This unit group also includes drivers of special purpose trucks and shunters who move trailers to and from loading docks within trucking yards or lots.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions. Employment for transport truck drivers in Saskatchewan did not initially decline but has been affected overall.
  • Employment for this occupation was 8% higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended lower year-over-year.
  • Transport truck drivers work in the following industries:
    • transportation and warehousing
    • construction
    • wholesale trade.
  • There continues to be demand for transport truck drivers, as these workers serve an essential role in transporting goods and materials over provincial and international routes. There is a long-standing shortage of transport truck drivers, both in Saskatchewan and nationwide.

6315 Cleaning supervisors

  • Cleaning supervisors supervise and co-ordinate the activities of workers in the following unit groups: Light Duty Cleaners (6731), Specialized Cleaners (6732), and Janitors, Caretakers and Building Superintendents (6733). They are employed by hospitals and other health care institutions, hotels, motels, schools and other educational institutions, commercial and industrial establishments, home and office cleaning establishments and by various specialized cleaning companies.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions. Employment for cleaning supervisors in Saskatchewan did not initially decline but has been affected overall.
  • Employment for this occupation was 13% higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended lower year-over-year.
  • Cleaning supervisors work in the following industry:
    • administrative and support, waste management and remediation services.
  • During the pandemic, enhanced cleaning procedures have become a public health priority. There has been sustained demand for cleaning supervisors who serve in various settings such as schools, hospitals and industrial establishments.

7521 Heavy equipment operators (except crane)

  • Heavy equipment operators operate heavy equipment used in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, airports, gas and oil pipelines, tunnels, buildings and other structures; in surface mining and quarrying activities; and in material handling work. They are employed by construction companies, heavy equipment contractors, public works departments and pipeline, logging, cargo-handling and other companies.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions. However, employment for heavy equipment operators (except crane) in Saskatchewan was not affected.
  • Employment for this occupation was 11% higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019. Similarly, average employment levels in 2020 trended higher year-over-year.
  • Heavy equipment operators (except crane) work in the following industry:
    • construction.
  • Heavy equipment operators (except crane) performed construction and maintenance duties on key infrastructures such as roads, bridges, and buildings throughout the pandemic. In May 2020, the Government of Saskatchewan announced it was earmarking $7.5 billion in infrastructure spending over two years, to stimulate Saskatchewan's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will help create jobs opportunities for workers in this occupation.

9241 Power engineers and power systems operators

  • Power engineers operate and maintain reactors, turbines, boilers, generators, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment to generate electrical power and to provide heat, light, refrigeration and other utility services for commercial, institutional and industrial plants and facilities. Power systems operators monitor and operate switchboards and related equipment in electrical control centres to control the distribution of electrical power in transmission networks. They are employed by power generation plants, electrical power utilities, manufacturing plants, hospitals, universities and government and commercial establishments.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions. Employment for power engineers and power systems operators in Saskatchewan did not initially decline but has been affected overall.
  • Employment for this occupation was 208% higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended lower year-over-year.
  • Power engineers and power systems operators work in the following industries:
    • utilities
    • mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction.
  • There was sustained demand for this occupation throughout the pandemic. Workers in this occupation provide essential utility-related services such as electrical power to numerous commercial and institutional buildings and monitor electrical power grids.

6622 Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers

  • Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers pack customers' purchases, price items, stock shelves with merchandise, and fill mail and telephone orders. They are employed in retail establishments, such as grocery, hardware and department stores, and in warehouses.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions. Employment for store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers in Saskatchewan did not initially decline but has been affected overall.
  • Employment for this occupation was 123% higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended lower year-over-year.
  • Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers work in the following industry:
    • retail trade.
  • Consumer spending habits have shifted towards essential items such as groceries during the pandemic. To meet the increased demand, some grocery chains have hired additional shelf stockers and order fillers. In addition, increased online shopping in this space will create further demand.

2171 Information systems analysts and consultants

  • Information systems analysts and consultants analyze and test systems requirements, develop and implement information systems development plans, policies and procedures, and provide advice on a wide range of information systems issues. They are employed in information technology consulting firms and in information technology units throughout the public and private sectors, or they may be self-employed.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions. Employment for information systems analysts and consultants in Saskatchewan did not initially decline but has been affected overall.
  • Employment for this occupation was 38% higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended lower year-over-year.
  • Information systems analysts and consultants work in the following industries:
    • professional, scientific and technical services
    • finance and insurance
    • public administration.
  • The shift towards increased technology usage during the pandemic has created additional demand for this occupation. As more people stay home and work from home, information systems analysts and consultants will play a critical role in ensuring information systems can effectively support users. Demand will likely continue post-pandemic if increased technology usage becomes a long-term trend.

3012 Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses

  • Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses provide direct nursing care to patients, deliver health education programs and provide consultative services regarding issues relevant to the practice of nursing. They are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres, doctors' offices, clinics, community agencies, companies, private homes and public and private organizations or they may be self-employed.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions. Employment for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses in Saskatchewan did not initially decline but has been affected overall.
  • Employment for this occupation was 33% higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended lower year-over-year.
  • Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses work in the following industry:
    • health care and social assistance.
  • Demand for registered nurses has held strong throughout the pandemic, due to the critical role of this occupation in diagnosing and caring for COVID-19 patients. In March, the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association issued a callout to retired and graduating nurses to apply for an emergency practising license, to try to meet that strong demand.

2282 User support technicians

  • User support technicians provide first-line technical support to computer users experiencing difficulties with computer hardware and with computer applications and communications software. They are employed by computer hardware manufacturers and retailers, software developers, in call centres and in information technology units throughout the public and private sectors. Technicians are also employed by independent technical support companies or they may be self-employed.
  • The COVID-19 global pandemic was declared in March, resulting in health measures, travel restrictions, and other disruptions. Employment for user support technicians in Saskatchewan did not initially decline but has been affected overall.
  • Employment for this occupation was 38% higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019. However, average employment levels in 2020 trended lower year-over-year.
  • User support technicians work in the following industries:
    • information and cultural industries
    • professional, scientific and technical services.
  • The shift towards increased technology usage during the pandemic has created additional demand for user support technicians. As companies transitioned to remote work models, user support technicians played a critical role in assisting employees with queries relating to new hardware and software applications. Demand will likely continue post-pandemic if increased technology usage becomes a long-term trend.
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