What Are Canada’s Most in-Demand Careers and Courses in 2024?

Artificial Intelligence is at the forefront of tech development, and organizations in all industries and sectors are trying to see how AI can help them reach their business goals. A computer scientist specializing in artificial intelligence will utilize machine learning and statistical analysis to develop and refine AI models. With new advancements constantly being made in the field, experts in AI will be hugely in demand at all types of companies. 

Becoming a computer scientist specializing in AI requires specific tech knowledge and certifications, and a commitment to constantly adapting to new technologies. Completing a computer science program will ensure that aspiring employees have the base knowledge to understand the latest machine learning developments, and become leaders in applying AI tools for all businesses. 

The best computer science programs include: 

 B.Sc.in Computing Science at Simon Fraser University 

B.Sc. in Computing Science at the University of Alberta 

B.Sc. in Computer Science at McGill University 

A business strategist analyzes current market indicators, evaluates company operations, and predicts future trends that will affect an organization positively and negatively. They make recommendations and proposals that will define business operations for years. Given the tumultuous waves that businesses have had to navigate since 2020, the role of business strategist remains more crucial than ever as companies brace to deal with uncertain markets.

There are typically strict educational requirements for the role of business strategist. Most organizations hiring for business strategists will select candidates who have graduated from business school with degrees in Business Management or Administration. Certain roles may even require graduate-level business degrees.   

Canada’s top business schools include: 

The Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University 

The Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto 

The Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia 

A financial analyst gathers, reviews, and analyzes multiple forms of financial data, including expense and revenue reports, investment performance, and accounting reports. They use their expert knowledge to identify key market indicators, perform risk assessments, and make recommendations for business and personal investments. Given the economic uncertainty predicted to affect the country this year, financial analysts will remain one of Canada’s most in-demand posts in 2024. 

To be hired, a prospective financial analyst must earn a degree in economics, accounting, or a related field. Companies will want to see that a candidate understands both economic principles and the latest trends affecting the economic market.   

These can be learned at a top undergraduate economics program such as: 

BA in International Economics and Finance at Toronto Metropolitan University 

BA in Economics at Queen’s University 

Honours Specialization in Economics at Western University  

A green technology specialist designs, researches and develops environmentally sustainable technologies. With an emphasis on renewable technologies, sustainable processes, and more efficient waste management in the quest to address serious environmental issues, the role of green technology specialists will only grow in importance. 

To become a green technology specialist, the most common route is to earn an engineering degree focusing on sustainable and renewable energy.   

These programs are offered at some of Canada’s top universities: 

B.A.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Engineering at Simon Fraser University 

B.Sc. in Sustainable Systems Engineering at the University of Calgary 

B.Eng. in Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering at Carleton University 

An IT security expert protects computer systems and databases from external and internal threats. They design, implement, and maintain advanced security protocols that secure proprietary data. Given the importance of data for almost all organizations, companies will continue to invest in IT security systems and the experts who maintain them. It is a job that requires constant learning and adaptation to keep up with the pace of changing business technologies. 

Given the nature of the IT security expert job role, companies will be looking to hire people with accreditations in advanced technological systems management and related IT fields.   

Popular IT security programs in Canada include: 

Certificate of Data Privacy at the University of Calgary 

Master of Information at Dalhousie University 

Master of Cybersecurity at Simon Fraser University 

A mechanical engineer designs, builds, and maintains mechanical systems and devices of varying sizes and complexity. As technology advances, mechanical engineers design systems, machines, and processes that utilize new tech to make businesses run efficiently and at peak optimization. They have a specific skill set that can be used for various commercial and industrial industries, ensuring it remains an in-demand job role, with an estimated 100,000 job openings by 2025.

Becoming a mechanical engineer requires in-depth knowledge of physics, mathematics, design, and specific certifications and qualifications. Completing a program at one of Canada’s best engineering schools will provide graduates with the foundational skills to succeed in the engineering field: 

Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta 

Faculty of Engineer at McMaster University 

UBC Engineering at the University of British Columbia 

A nurse is a healthcare professional who provides medical care to patients in clinics, hospitals, facilities, and private residences. They provide compassionate care to patients under doctor supervision and direction, and play a critical role in patient recovery and support. There is predicted to be a shortage of over 117,000 nurses in Canada by 2030, meaning that it will be an in-demand job role for years to come. 

Nursing is a highly regulated profession in Canada, with different educational and licensing requirements for different types of nurses. To become a Registered Nurse (RN), prospective workers must complete a Bachelor’s level nursing program.  

Top undergraduate nursing programs in Canada include: 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the UBC School of Nursing (UBC) 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (UofT) 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the Ingram School of Nursing (McGill) 

A Personal Support Worker (PSW) cares for individuals requiring assistance due to age, illness, or physical difficulties. They can work at care facilities and private residences, giving people the support they need in daily life. The number of Canadians over the age of 85 is expected to triple over the next two decades, highlighting the pressing need for trained and qualified PSWs to provide compassionate care for the aging population.

Personal Support Workers must complete specific training programs and become accredited to enter the profession. This ensures they have the skills and knowledge to assist their clients properly.   

The top PSW programs include: 

Personal Support Work Certificate at Centennial College 

Personal Support Worker Certificate at Algonquin College 

Personal Support Worker Certificate at George Brown College

A pharmacist is a healthcare professional providing medications and fulfilling prescriptions following doctor’s instructions. They also advise customers on the safe use of medications and health-related equipment. They play a crucial role in helping people maintain their health. It remains an in-demand job role in communities across the country that are currently facing a shortage of qualified pharmacists. 

There are specific education requirements for becoming a pharmacist in Canada. These include earning a Bachelor’s Degree at a Canadian university, passing the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada exam, and completing an apprenticeship with an experienced pharmacist.   

Top universities offering pharmacist programs include: 

Master of Science Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo 

Master of Science in Pharmacy at the University of Manitoba 

Master of Science in Pharmacy at the University of Toronto 

A teacher educates students ranging in age from youth to early adulthood, imparting vital lessons they will utilize for the rest of their lives. They create learning plans that keep students engaged and address all topics covered in the curriculum. Teachers play a vital role in childhood development and work to meet the unique needs of all their students. Canada is currently experiencing a teacher shortage, with more than 8,000 positions available in Quebec alone. As even more teachers prepare to retire, it is poised to remain an in-demand role nationwide. 

Teachers have specific educational and training requirements that must be achieved to enter the profession, including earning a university degree and completing a period of supervised in-class teaching. This ensures they have the skills necessary to provide quality education to their students and succeed in their role as educators.  

Some of the best teaching programs in Canada include: 

Master of Teaching at the University of Toronto  

Bachelor of Education - Elementary and Middle Years at the University of British Columbia 

Master of Education in Elementary Education at the University of Alberta 

As the needs of society change, the job market must adapt to fulfill them. Canada’s most in-demand careers and courses in 2024 highlight the pathways that will shape these industries for years to come. Pursuing one of these jobs can lead to a successful professional life. Speak with an education counsellor today to begin your journey.  

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