The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected various sectors, including hospitality and tourism. As a result, most of these sectors faced shutdowns. However, while the hospitality industry was gradually facing off, some sectors witnessed a surge in job vacancies. In a research carried out by the federal government on the effects of the pandemic on the labor force in every province and territory, the following jobs increased their demand in B.C. Below are the jobs listed in the order of their National Occupational Classification (NOC) code:
1. Payroll administrators (NOC 1432)
A payroll administrator’s job description entails assisting employees experiencing issues with their pay or need substantial changes. The administrators also inform an organization’s employees of their salaries and possible benefits, including any updates on the payment process. Thus, the individuals determine pay and maintain the organization’s payroll.
The onset of the pandemic saw the employment of payroll administrators slightly dropping, with April 2020 recording a 16% drop. Fortunately, the employment levels gained traction significantly as the demand for the job continued to increase. Since various employers needed to address unexpected revenue loss due to the pandemic, the dire need for payroll administrators to limit employee costs increased.
2. Information systems analysts and consultants (NOC 2171)
Information systems professionals analyze and test systems requirements, offering recommendations on information system problems. Additionally, the individuals implement information systems development plans, policies and procedures.
Unlike the payroll administrator’s job that witnessed a slight drop, the information systems occupation steadily increase at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to continue with the trend even after the pandemic. The job gained popularity since the pandemic forced businesses to depend on working-from-home employees. With a significant percentage of employees operating from home, businesses needed innovative technology and secure data access.
3. Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174)
A computer programmer’s task entails writing, modifying, integrating and testing computer codes. The individual then uses the computer codes for software, data processing, operating systems and communications software. On the other hand, an interactive media developer focuses mainly on mobile apps, training software, computer games, film, video and several other media.
The personnel write, modify, integrate and test computer code for software, data processing, computer games, film, video and more. The occupation saw a tremendous increase in employment at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with employers providing employees working from home with the needed computer software.
