That’s amongst the top advice we can offer Canadians looking for work – especially those in regions that have higher than average unemployment – check out Saskatchewan. Unemployment is low and wages are high. Workers are in demand.

Here are the top three sectors:

HEALTH CARE:

Types of jobs in sector: The list is broad – ranging from nurses, doctors and dentists and support staff to lab technicians, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Why it needs workers: New jobs are being created due to the province’s growing population and increased health demands related to aging. Positions are available across the province, with incentive programs in place to attract workers in specific occupations and locations. New facilities in the works – like the children’s hospital in Saskatoon – are also expected to increase the need for health professionals.

Average pay: $893.92/week (April 2014. This factors in salary for those in the social assistance field.)

Experience/skills needed: Depending on the line of work, some positions require university or college education, while others require on-the-job training and courses.

Additional info and job opportunities: http://www.saskdocs.ca, http://www.healthcareersinsask.ca and http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/careers-jobs.

CONSTRUCTION:

Types of jobs in sector: Construction estimators and inspectors, labourers and opportunities to start your own contracting business. Right now the highest demand is in skilled trades like electricians, plumbers and welders.

Why it needs workers: The private sector is behind Saskatchewan’s remarkable growth in capital investment. To put it in perspective, private capital investment in Saskatchewan tripled from $5.9 billion in 2003 to $17.9 billion in 2013. That’s a phenomenal increase in just 10 years. With a strong economy and positive long-term outlook, the province has attracted an increasing number of major capital infrastructure projects. When these types of investments are made, construction workers are needed. Mega-projects currently underway or slated to begin soon include potash mines near Humboldt and Bethune, two new bridges in Saskatoon, nearly 20 schools across the province and a new stadium in Regina.

Average pay: $1,217.58/week (April 2014)

Experience/skills needed: It’s a unique sector; while there are many opportunities available for people with little or no work experience, there’s a demand for highly skilled and experienced trades people. Labourers can be trained on the job, while other positions may require a college diploma or an apprenticeship. Jobs like construction inspectors require university degrees.

Additional info and job opportunities | Training

RESOURCES (OIL, MINING, GAS):

Types of jobs in sector: Equipment operator, servicer and labourer, drillers, supervisors and trades people.
Why it needs workers: Mining, oil and gas are billion-dollar sectors that contribute 21 per cent of the province’s GDP. Saskatchewan is Canada’s second largest oil producer and third largest natural gas producer and, as a result, has the third largest petroleum workforce in the country. When it comes to the mining industry, Saskatchewan’s is the third largest in Canada. A 2011 report by the Mining Industry Human Resources Council expects the Saskatchewan mining workforce to double by 2021. Billion-dollar uranium and potash projects, as well as other extraction projects for resources like diamonds, gold and metals, are driving the need for workers.

Average pay: $2,073.35/week (April 2014)

Experience/skills needed: Many positions provide on-the-job training for those with little or no experience. Some more senior positions may require apprenticeships or college diplomas.

Additional info and job opportunities: http://www.saskmining.ca/info/Careers/careers.html, http://www.capp.ca/canadaIndustry/industryAcrossCanada/Pages/Saskatchewan.aspx.

Angelina Irinici is an award-winning journalist from Saskatoon, Sask. She recently moved back to her home city and is working as a television reporter. She is a graduate of Ryerson University’s journalism school. You can find her on Twitter at @angelinairinici.