Chances are, you’ve heard a relative or friend say you should “get a job in tech.” Of course, that’s not always feasible or of interest, but if you’re someone with an aptitude for and interest in a career in tech, you may want to look to Quebec. A new report from the Information Communications and Technology Council (ICTC) suggests Quebec’s digital economy could employ a quarter of Canada’s technology workers by 2030.
The report provides a six-year outlook on Quebec’s digital economy, predicting substantial growth in the information, communications and technology sector, along with the creation of approximately 196,400 new jobs, bringing total employment to more than 700,000 workers — 25% of Canada’s total tech workforce.
“Quebec plays a vital role in Canada’s digital economy and is a hub for artificial intelligence, interactive digital media and innovation,” a release on the report reads.
Quebec’s growing tech sector
Montreal and Québec City accounted for 61% and 6% of the province’s information and communications technology (ICT) job postings, respectively, from January to December last year. Quebec’s digital economy is bolstered by foreign direct investment and its innovation hubs.
The report stresses it will be important to strengthen the province’s ICT talent pipeline to ensure businesses have a skilled workforce that can achieve innovation, commercialization and productivity objectives. It points to work-integrated learning programs, such as co-ops and internships as the solution.
However, while 74% of employers who hired students through work-integrated learning programs reported that it helped them find the right talent, ICTC’s research found that many employers in Quebec are unaware of wage subsidy programs that can subsidize student hiring.
Challenges for Quebec’s tech sector
Despite the province’s strengths, it faces a cooling ICT job market marked by declining research and development spending, increasing ICT unemployment rates and reductions in the number of ICT job postings.
While demand for tech talent surged early in the post-pandemic period, according to the report Québec’s ICT labour market has transitioned from favouring job seekers to favouring employers.
It’s due to this that a pessimistic projection suggests a potential annual decline of 0.4% in the digital economy.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Related Posts
