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Looking Forward to 2026
British Columbia can expect continued strong demand for workers in healthcare, technology, construction, and trades in 2026, driven primarily by an aging population and ongoing economic development. The majority of job openings will result from the need to replace retiring workers.
Key Job Trends for BC in 2026
Overall Outlook: While B.C.'s economic growth is projected to slow slightly in 2026 before returning to stronger growth later, the labour market is expected to remain tight, with more job openings than available workers in some sectors.
Skills Focus: Approximately 77% of job openings will require some form of post-secondary education or training, such as a certificate, diploma, or apprenticeship. Foundational skills like critical thinking, complex problem solving, and communication will be highly valued across all occupations.
Salary Expectations: B.C. employees are projected to see some of the highest average salary increases in Canada for 2026, with professional services, real estate, and legal services leading in projected raises. The provincial minimum wage is also expected to be adjusted June 1 based on the Consumer Price Index.
High-Opportunity Industries
Five major industries are expected to generate the majority of job openings over the next decade, with strong prospects for 2026:
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Health Care and Social Assistance: The aging population ensures this sector has the highest number of projected job openings, especially in roles like registered nurses, nurse aides, and other outpatient medical services.
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Construction: Significant investments in housing, transportation infrastructure (e.g., the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Expansion), and green building initiatives will ensure steady demand for skilled tradespeople, engineers, and project managers.
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Retail Trade: This vital sector will have substantial openings, driven partly by the evolution of e-commerce and demand for workers skilled in logistics and digital marketing.
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Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate: Digitalization is creating demand for data analysis, cybersecurity, and financial specialists like advisors and accountants.
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Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: This sector, particularly computer systems design and related services, is forecast for significant growth, driven by rapid technological advancements, AI, and data analysis. In-demand roles include software engineers and designers, financial auditors, and IT specialists.
In-Demand Occupations
Specific occupations identified by WorkBC as "High Opportunity Occupations" include:
- Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses
- Software engineers and designers
- Financial auditors and accountants
- Construction managers and carpenters
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics and electricians
Stay job-ready through free online training
When you are looking for a job it is important to have confidence in the skills that you list on your resume, and that you be genuinely prepared to apply them once you are hired. Also, at times employers request that job applicants perform tests at job interviews to demonstrate their skills.
Many free training resources can be found online.
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Global Community Foundations offers a wide range of online video tutorials to help individuals learn and practice computer programs (Office and Excel), core reading & math skills, workplace and communication skills, the strategic use of social media and more: https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/
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Udemy has a selection of free tutorials that cover such areas as computer program training (Adobe and Powerpoint) and communication and leadership skills. https://www.udemy.com/courses/free/
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Khan Academy provides courses at many levels, from elementary foundational skills to upper level high school and college courses in such areas as computing and economics: https://www.khanacademy.org/
Canada's unemployment rate fell to 6.5% in November
Canada's unemployment rate dropped to 6.5% in November, Statistics Canada said on Friday, bringing the rate to a 16-month low and making a year-end interest rate cut an unlikely occurrence, according to economists. For BC, the unemployment rate in November was 6.4%, a drop from 6.6% in October.
New rules and other changes that will impact B.C. workers next year
The New Year is just around the corner, and there are some changes that B.C. workers and employers should take note of. Whether you’re a long time employee at a company, have just started a new job, or are on the lookout for your next career move, these rules are essential to keep in mind.
Discover Your Future with WorkBC Career Quizzes
If you’re unsure about your next career move, WorkBC’s career discovery quizzes are the perfect place to start. These interactive quizzes help you uncover your strengths, interests, and work preferences, then match you with careers that truly fit who you are. In just a few minutes, you can gain valuable insight into which jobs might bring you the most satisfaction and success.
B.C.'s Labour Market Outlook 2025
The 2025 edition of the B.C. Labour Market Outlook (“Outlook”) is a 10-year forecast covering the period from 2025 to 2035. It provides an estimate of future labour supply for B.C. by occupation, as well as labour demand by industry, occupation, education and training, and development region. It also identifies which occupations will offer the most opportunity, as well as the level of education and training that each occupation typically requires.
WorkBC Career Trek Video
Are you wondering what a day in the life of a Career Development Practitioner and Career Counsellor, is like? Check out this short video to learn more.
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