Following the highest tech jobs growth in North America, the Vancouver region has seen a lot of layoffs in tech over the past year.
Hootsuite trimmed some fat and appointed a new CEO. Thinkific also made some changes. As did web3 darling Dapper Labs. We could go on.
Combined with a Pandemic-fuelled shift to hybrid work, Vancouver has entered a state of flux.
Moving forward, however, we know that demand for tech skills remains, especially around coveted roles like software development. There is momentum to be maintained.
B.C.’s latest Labour Market Outlook forecasts one million job openings over the next decade, and that includes many opportunities within the tech sector.
“Despite the global economic challenges we’re facing, there are significant job opportunities for people over the next decade,” stated Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “Our government is taking action … to ensure people have the skills and supports they need for these good-paying careers and employers can access the talent they need to grow.”
Employment in B.C. is expected to reach 3.1 million by 2032, according to the 10-year forecast, up from 2.7 million jobs in 2022.
“Our government will always be there to support people and businesses by making investments that develop a skilled workforce that allows people to build a good life in the communities they want to live in,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation.
Key growth areas “will be in the technology and health care sectors,” according to the provincial outlook.
Since 2017, the Province has expanded access to post-secondary training in high-opportunity occupations. BC has created nearly 3,000 tech-related spaces producing a combined 1,000 graduates per year.
“We’ve been through a lot together, but this outlook shows us that B.C.’s future is full of opportunity,” believes Andrew Mercier, Minister of State for Workforce Development.
Vancouver’s tech scene now employs 92,000, a figure which has nearly tripled since 2010. CBRE believes that the tech sector may continue to outperform other sectors regardless of market challenges.
“Tech industry job growth remains well above the national average,” a CBRE report stated last year. “Economic headwinds in the year ahead likely will slow but not end high-tech job growth.”
The Province stated that it is going to continue to “expand investments to support access to post-secondary education, skills training, and career resources” as part of StrongerBC’s Future Ready plan.
According to the Outlook, 80% of all new jobs over the net decade will require some level of post-secondary education or training. The increasing presence of up-skilling programs in Canada will therefore be important to help fill gaps.
Local up-skill offerings include Lighthouse Labs and Jelly Academy.
