There is an increasing trend occurring, university graduates are deciding to return to school and earn college degrees. The reality is that the need for university degrees seems to be decreasing. Your average university graduate earns more than your average college graduate, but a lot of jobs in high demand require only a 2 year college degree. If you are a university graduate who has been unemployed for a number of months, perhaps you should consider going to college and studying for one of these highest in demand jobs.

Administered by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, the Canadian Occupational Projection System developed a 10-year report which outlined projected Canadian labour market supply and demand between now and 2020. The report provides 20 occupations expected to be high in demand due to a low supply of available workers who have the required skills to perform the jobs. Out of all 20 occupations, only three require a university level education and ten require college or apprenticeship training.

Of course, you should consider other factors in addition to job shortages when deciding what you are going to study. The highest in-demand jobs are not necessary the ones that pay the most money. Also, the learning environment is much different. If you enjoy reading and lectures, a university environment might be ideal. If you are more hands on, college might best the best place for you to study.

Here is the list from the report starting with secretaries, recorders and transcriptionists which is projected to have 71% of jobs in this area not being filled between now and 2020.

    1. Secretaries, recorders and transcriptionists – 71% of jobs unfilled – College degree required

    2. Upholsterers, tailors, shoe repairers, jewellers and related – 67% of jobs unfilled – College degree required

    3. Supervisors, logging and forestry – 63% of jobs unfilled – College degree required

    4. Supervisors, mining, oil and gas – 58% of jobs unfilled – College degree required

    5. Technical jobs in libraries, archives, museums and galleries – 45% of jobs unfilled – College degree required

    6. Logging machinery operators – 40% of jobs unfilled – High school education required

    7. Administrative support clerks – 40% of jobs unfilled – College degree required

    8. Positions in agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture – 38% of jobs unfilled – University degree required

    9. Managers in protective service – 38% of jobs unfilled – Education level varies

    10. Mine service workers and operators in oil and gas drilling – 36% of jobs unfilled – High school education required

    11. Insurance and real estate sales occupations and buyers – 35% of jobs unfilled – High school education required

    12. College and other vocational instructions – 34% of jobs unfilled – University degree required

    13. Transportation officers and controllers – 34% of jobs unfilled – College degree required

    14. Administrative and regulatory occupations – 34% of jobs unfilled – College degree required

    15. Service station attendants, grocery clerks, shelf stockers and related – 31% of jobs unfilled – High school education required

    16. Cleaners – 30% of jobs unfilled – High school education required

    17. Stationary engineers and power station and system operators – 28% of jobs unfilled – College degree required

    18. Finance and insurance administrative occupations – 28% of jobs unfilled – College degree required

    19. Logging and forestry workers – 27% of jobs unfilled – High school education required

    20. Technical sales specialists, wholesale trade – 23% of jobs unfilled – University degree required

If you have been searching for a job for a long time, perhaps it is time to consider learning a trade. The projections for the labour market suggest that spending a short period of time learning the art of trades like tailoring, logging or mining will reduce your chances of being unemployed.

Ozzie Saunds is the founder/owner of www.ResumeToronto.ca and the InspiredMinds Group. Have a question about your resume? Email him at ozzie.saunds@resumetoronto.ca