Occupations

In the 1990s, the fastest-growing occupational class was natural and applied science workers, particularly computer programmers, computer systems analysts, engineers, architects and technicians.

Rising usage of computers has accelerated the demand for highly skilled workers. Technology is also changing many occupations that traditionally required more brawn. Farmers, for example, have exploited developments in agricultural technology to bring food to Canadian tables more efficiently.

While women have been making inroads into non-traditional jobs, they still tend to dominate certain fields, such as sales and services; business, finance and administration; social science; education; government services; and health. In contrast, men are more likely than women to work in blue-collar jobs, in management and in natural and applied sciences.

Youths (those aged 15 to 24) are much more likely to work in sales and service jobs. In 2002, 81% of employed youths worked in the services-producing sector. Specifically, 25% of these youths worked in retail trade while a further 18% were employed in accommodation and food services.