International Student’s Guide: Selecting University Programs for Alberta’s In-Demand Jobs

Given the recent amendments to student permit policies and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) policies in Canada, it is crucial for international students to select programs that may qualify them for PGWP opportunities upon graduation. As of 2024, Alberta's economy is experiencing significant growth in sectors such as energy, technology, construction, healthcare, and agriculture, resulting in increased demand for a diverse range of skilled professionals.

Here are the top 9 most in-demand jobs in Alberta:

1. **Healthcare Professionals**

• Nurses (Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses): Alberta, as does the rest of Canada, faces a significant shortage of nurses due to an aging population and increased demand for healthcare services, making this one of the most critical roles. Studying Nursing at the University of Alberta or MacEwan University will make you eligible for a PGWP and give you the credentials for employment in the nursing field.

• Personal Support Workers (PSWs): PSWs are needed throughout Canada in hospitals, home care, and long-term care facilities to assist the elderly and disabled. Programs like Advanced Care Paramedic at NAIT or their Occupational Health & Safety program are designed to meet employment needs and graduates from this programs are eligible for a PGWP.

• Medical Technicians: Personnel with the technical skills to operate medical equipment such as X-ray machines, sonography and MRI equipment are in high demand. NAIT’s medical technology programs are ideal for employment in this medical area. International student graduates are eligible for the PGWP. International students can consider programs such as Diagnostic Medical Technology or Laboratory and X-ray Technology programs. They are sure to land you a job.

• Physicians and Specialists: Family doctors and medical specialists, such as surgeons, cardiologists, and pediatricians, are in high demand, especially in rural and underserved areas. While international students cannot take the MD program in Canada and become a physician, as you can see from the list above, there are many programs, and more, where a student who is interested in medicine can take a program that is sure to lead to employment once they graduate.

2. **Skilled Tradespeople**

• Electricians: Alberta’s ongoing infrastructure projects, residential developments, and the oil and gas sector drive high demand for electricians across various industries. If you are looking for a diploma where international students can get a PGWP, consider NAIT’s Electrical Installations Technology program.

• Welders: The oil and gas industry, as well as construction and manufacturing sectors, require skilled welders for pipeline work, industrial maintenance, and fabrication. NAIT’s Advanced Welding Technology is a perfect program to get an international student a PGWP and a job.

• Heavy Equipment Operators: Heavy machinery operators are in demand in Alberta’s construction, mining, and oil sectors, particularly for road construction, resource extraction, and large infrastructure projects. For international students who are interested in automotive repairs, NAIT’s Industrial Heavy Equipment Technology program can lead to a PGWP and a job.

3. **Engineers**

Petroleum Engineers: Alberta’s oil and gas sector continues to require petroleum engineers to design and oversee extraction processes and ensure efficiency in energy production. The University of Alberta is one of the few universities in Canada that offer Petroleum Engineering degrees.

Civil Engineers: Civil engineers are needed to support infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and urban planning projects throughout the province. If you are looking for a full degree in Civil Engineering, then international students should consider applying to the University of Alberta, Canada.

Mechanical Engineers: Alberta’s industrial and manufacturing sectors depend on mechanical engineers for the design, operation, and maintenance of machinery and mechanical systems. Always a good choice for Engineering, the University of Alberta offers Mechanical Engineering with different specializations such as Aerospace. Remember international student graduates from universities are PGWP eligible.

4. **Construction Workers and Supervisors**

• Construction laborers, carpenters, and supervisors: are in high demand as Alberta experiences ongoing housing developments, commercial construction, and large-scale infrastructure projects, including roads and public transit. NAIT offers an engineering diploma in Construction Engineering Technology which is approved for graduates to obtain a PGWP. They also offer Advanced Carpentry Technology.

5. **IT Professionals**

Software Developers: Alberta’s tech sector, especially in cities like Calgary and Edmonton, is growing, with companies seeking software developers, web developers, and programmers for developing apps, platforms, and digital solutions. Many university programs will ready you for a PGWP and employment in this sector. Consider Computing Science – Software Practice at the University of Alberta, or consider NAIT’s Software Development program – both are open to international students and graduates are in high demand.

IT Support Specialists and Cybersecurity Analysts: With the rise of digital infrastructure across businesses, IT support professionals and cybersecurity analysts are needed to ensure the security and efficiency of networks and systems. MacEwan University has a BSc in Computer Science, the University of Alberta has several Computing Science programs including specialisation in Artificial Intelligence. NAIT has several Information Technology diplomas, all approved for PGWP and NAIT graduates are in high demand as employers are satisfied with their knowledge and skills. They are industry ready when they graduate.

6. **Project Managers**

Project Managers**: Alberta’s large-scale projects in construction, energy, and manufacturing require experienced project managers to lead teams and oversee complex operations, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. A business degree from the University of Alberta or MacEwan are good options to consider when wanting to become a Project Manager. NAIT also has a Bachelor of Technology Management which is a good option for international students who have a previous technical degree.

7. **Sales and Marketing Professionals**

Sales Representatives: Alberta’s growing industries, particularly in retail, real estate, and technology, require skilled sales professionals to drive business growth and secure new clients. Whether you graduate with an Arts or business degree, whether you have a business diploma, a sales job is a good entry job position to take. Promotions can happen and soon, you can find yourself as a floor manager or an administrative position.

Digital Marketing Specialists: As more businesses in Alberta transition to digital platforms, there’s a rising demand for digital marketing professionals who can manage SEO, social media campaigns, and online advertising strategies. A degree from the University of Alberta in Industrial Arts & Design – Marketing Route, or a degree from MacEwan University are good options to choose when wanting to get into the digital marketing field. NAIT’s diplomas in Digital Design or Media Design & IT are good options as well. In all cases, graduates are eligible for a PGWP and there are jobs available in this market.

8. **Early Childhood Educators (ECEs)**

ECEs: are needed across Alberta, especially in urban centers like Calgary and Edmonton, as the demand for quality childcare services and government-supported early education programs increases. Consider Early Childhood Education at MacEwan University.

9. **Human Resource Professionals**

HR Managers and Specialists: As Alberta’s industries grow, there’s a demand for HR professionals to manage recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development, especially as companies seek to attract and retain talent. Whether you are an international student graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta or an Business graduate, you are employable in this industry. MacEwan University has a degree in Human Resources Management that you will want to check out as well.

These roles are critical to Alberta’s key industries such as energy, construction, technology, and healthcare. Programs like the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) or Canada’s PGWP help international students fill labor shortages in these in-demand jobs, supporting the province's growing economy.

To find out more about aligning your university studies in Canada to in-demand jobs and the PGWP eligibility scale, please contact Go 2 Canada Education Services to learn more about how to go about this. They want your success not just at university or college, but also after you graduate.