A projected 119,150 job openings are becoming available in New Brunswick over the next 10 years. 111,500 opportunities are projected to become available due to permanent workforce exits and 7,650 jobs will come from new growth opportunities. (Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour)
This valuable data shows the opportunities for employment in New Brunswick, but more information is needed to adequately prepare the Aboriginal workforce for these opportunities. What preparation do these jobs require? Who is hiring? What major projects will be moving forward? This information will help Aboriginal people fully participate in New Brunswick’s economy.
Preparation
The Aboriginal labour market is poised to capitalize on future opportunities in the trades. Recent data shows that a larger proportion of Aboriginal people hold Apprenticeship/Trades Certifications than the non-Aboriginal population. However, jobs that require university education present a challenge to the current Aboriginal population as shown by the diagram below.
Source: 2013 Profile of the New Brunswick Labour Force: http://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/petl-epft/PDF/Emp/Profile-NB-LabourForce.pdf
Source: Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
Based on information from the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour (DPETL), 63% of future opportunities will require secondary school and college training. The Aboriginal workforce is prepared to capitalize on those job opportunities. The challenges exist in university education attainment and high school completion which could limit full Aboriginal participation in future opportunities.
Who is hiring?
The “Labour Market Information Monthly” from DPETL for January 2015 shows the top 5 industries experiencing employment growth in New Brunswick.
The following table shows projected areas of growth over the next 10 years by occupation category. For more information on each category, visit: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/12-583-x/12-583-x2011001-eng.pdf
Source: Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
Where are the jobs?
Urban centres remain key employment drivers in New Brunswick. Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton outpaced the rest of the province in new job ads between July and November 2014.
Major Projects
Major projects will also be a source of short- and long-term employment for New Brunswickers. The Aboriginal labour force needs to be aware of these opportunities and be ready to participate.
Here is a breakdown of the short- and long-term job opportunities based on existing major projects in New Brunswick.
Steps to full participation
In order for the Aboriginal labour force to participate fully in the future labour market of New Brunswick, workers must be:
- Educated: this remains a focus of NB First Nation governance and organizations
- Trained in growth occupations with career guidance
- Mobile: willing to move to job locations
- Informed: First Nations must be included in future development discussions. This includes timely and accurate information on employment opportunities in the economic regions of NB, specifically employment and business contracting arising from major resource projects.
Mike Hennessey
Mike Hennessey, Aboriginal Labour Market Information Analyst, will be a monthly contributor to the JEDI blog. From Pabineau First Nation, Mike holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick and is currently finishing a Masters of Education at UNB. Mike is motivated to share relevant labour market information to help First Nations, industry, and government recognize the potential that lies in the Aboriginal workforce.