Manitoba | Jobs In-Demand

This particular pandemic had certain effects on the job market of Manitoba, creating a surge of employment in certain specific occupations.

As per the study of the Canadian government, there are certain occupations that are increasingly in demand in Manitoba due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

As we all know that there has been a negative impact on the employment sector because of the safety and public health measures. Taking the example of the travel sector, many jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector were lost because of the pandemic-related shutdowns. But there are certain sectors that witnessed a boom in employment because of the pandemic.

Given below are the nine jobs that are in demand in Manitoba. The particular jobs are listed below with their National Occupational Classification (NOC) code: 

1. NOC 5241 | Graphic Designer and Illustrators

Graphic designers are the working professionals who conceptualize and produce graphic and visual aids and materials for the purpose of communication of packaging, advertising, publications, films, and other media.

Employment for graphic designers and illustrators was 114% higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019.

Although advertising was reduced after retailers reduced their advertising costs and live events were canceled, graphic designers and illustrators saw their work shift to online shopping platforms as more retailers moved online.

2. NOC 6315 | Cleaning Supervisors

Cleaning managers are responsible for supervising and coordinating the work of specialized cleaners, porters, guards and overseers.

Many of them are employed in hospitals, health facilities, hotels, schools and other companies.

Employment for cleaning supervisors was 68% higher in April 2020 than in April 2019.

Improved cleaning and sanitization procedures has become a priority during the pandemic, so this dramatic increase may come as no surprise.

3. NOC 7514 | Courier Service and Delivery Drivers

These professionals drive cars, vans, and vans to pick up and deliver products. These professionals are usually hired by  restaurants, newspaper distributors, pharmacies, dry cleaners, and various other businesses. Many of them are also self-employed.

Average employment levels increased in the year 2020. This profession has grown in demand due to the significant increase in e-commerce.

4. NOC 2281 | Computer and Network Technicians

Computer network specialists establish, operate, maintain and coordinate the use of local and wide area networks (LAN and WAN), as well as hardware, software, and other computer equipment.

Many of these working professionals are currently working in information technology units.

Employment for this job was 75% higher in April 2020 than in April 2019. This job is likely to remain in high demand as more companies accept remote work.

5. NOC 6231 | Insurance agents and Brokers

Insurance agents and brokers sell a variety of types of insurance, including life insurance, car, property, and health insurance.

Insurance companies may receive increased claims due to uncertainty caused by the travel and business pandemic. This increase in insurance claims is likely the reason for the demand in this job.

6. NOC 1521 | Shippers and Receivers

These professionals send, receive, and record the movement of parts, consumables, materials, and other items to and from the company.

Employment for this job is 27% higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019.

Demand for this job has increased as e-commerce has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

7. NOC 7452 | Material Handlers

Material handlers process, move, load, and unload materials. These specialists are usually hired by transport, storage, and relocation companies.

The average employment levels for this profession will increase during the year in 2020.

The pandemic led to an increase in e-commerce and, as a result, the demand for this profession increased with the increase in demand for the supply of parcels.

In addition, Amazon plans to open a new delivery center in Winnipeg in 2021, which will further increase demand for this profession.

8. NOC 4412 | Housekeepers, Home Support Workers, and other related Occupations

Home support workers provide personal care for the elderly, people with disabilities and other clients. These workers can reside with the client. Hosts are responsible for housekeeping and home management, potentially in a private home.

Employment for these professions was 87% higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019.

Demand for these occupations may continue to increase as the elderly and other immunocompromised individuals choose to stay in their homes instead of moving to a medical facility where they may be vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.

9. NOC 6622 | Store Shelf Stockers, Clerks

These professionals pack customer purchases, price items, product shelves and fulfill orders by mail and telephone. Many of them are employed in retail outlets, grocery stores, department stores, and warehouses.

The average employment levels for this job will increase during the year in 2020.

Consumer spending habits shifted online during the pandemic. This has created an increase in demand for this activity and many grocery chains are hiring additional shelves and refills for orders.

How to migrate to Manitoba with one of these occupations? 

Canadian provinces and territories attract immigrants to meet the needs of the labor market. This is in support of Canada's economic growth.

There are different ways of permanent residence if you have work experience in a job in a particular province.

In addition, you can use your qualified work experience as part of an application for permanent residence through an economy class immigration program.

This includes the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Canada Immigration Department uses the Express Entry system for managing applications for these programs.

However, it is important to understand  that the Express Entry program is for skilled work specifically. Check the National Classification of Occupations (NOC) code of your profession. Your profession is qualified if your NOC code is skill type 0, level A, or level B.

Only the following professions from the above list will be considered qualified:

• Graphic designers and illustrators;
• Cleaning supervisors;
• Computer network technicians; and
• Insurance agents and brokers.

In addition, Manitoba has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Under the skilled worker stream in Manitoba, there is an immigration pathway for people working in Manitoba, such as temporary workers and international students. This road is called the Manitoba Work Experience Pathway.

Manitoba Express Entry pathway is for candidates who have an Express Entry profile and are willing to migrate to Manitoba. This pathway comes under the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream.

In order to be eligible for this program, the candidate must have a valid working experience in any of the in-demand occupations. From the list stated above, only computer network technicians, graphic designers and illustrators are in the in-demand occupations listed by the Canadian Immigration Department.

There is a Home Support Worker Pilot program for home support workers to immigrate to Manitoba.