Sector and occupational studies

What are sector and occupational studies?
Sector and occupational studies are forward-looking analyses of current and future human resources development needs, issues and challenges facing a particular industry or occupation, such as the supply and demand of skilled labour, the impact of changing technology, the need for skills upgrading and the adequacy of existing training.

The purpose is to establish an in-depth analysis, using a co-operative approach, and to identify feasible solutions and future directions for the development and implementation of a human resources development strategy for an industry or occupation.

These studies are directed by a steering committee made up of key stakeholders usually from business, labour, education and government. The Human Resources Partnerships (HRP) Directorate provides analytical and expert advice, as well as financial assistance. Independent consultants are usually hired by the steering committee to do the study.

How do sector and occupational studies benefit Canadians?
Sector and occupational studies are a key step toward improved awareness, knowledge and understanding of Canadian labour market issues and trends, like emerging skills requirements, human resources development needs, and learning and training systems. Individual sectors benefit from the consensus building these studies foster in identifying solutions and providing a basis for a human resources development strategy.

These studies also provide essential labour market information for Canadians who want to make well-informed career and work decisions.

Examples of sector and occupational studies
Occupational studies have been done for most major construction trades, oral health care occupations and engineering technology occupations. Occupational studies under way include nursing, physicians, pharmacists and information technology occupations.

A sector study on child care has been completed and sector studies under way include aerospace, rail, commercial pilots and geomatics.

HRP also produces Industry Profiles, which examine how the changing economic environment, and general trends in research and development and technology, affects the labour force employed in an industry. There are currently over 150 Profiles available.

For more information please visit National Industry Profiles