Emerging Themes in British Columbia Labor Market

Running Head: BRITISH COLUMBIA 1
Emerging Themes in British Columbia Labor Market
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BRITISH COLUMBIA 2
1) Automation of Work
Automation of work refers to the use of technology in performing tasks more effectively
and efficiently (Kleis, Chwelos, Ramirez, & Cockburn, 2012). According to Workbc (2019), in
British Columbia, the introduction of technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of
things, smartphones, mobile applications, web applications, communication technologies,
collaborative technologies, among others has automated the manner in which work is executed.
This automation has greatly promoted the growth of British Columbia’s economy by increasing
the productivity of organizations. It is forecasted that automation will continue to grow and thus
create approximately 166,000 new job openings (Workbc, 2019). Automation will only
negatively affect jobs which require low skills such as repetitive jobs, but will, in turn, promote
jobs which require a high level of skills.
The following are the most suitable strategies to respond to this theme. First, learning
how to use the technologies that are present in my industry. This will help me to be compatible
with the automated working environment and to be more productive (Kleis, Chwelos, Ramirez,
& Cockburn, 2012). Secondly, investing heavily on acquiring skills that are not easy to automate
such as; creativity, leadership, communication, interpersonal, decision making, among other
skills. This will enable me to fill the gap that technology cannot fill. Therefore, I will stand a
chance to get a well-paying job since am offering what the employers need most.
2) Demand for skills and competencies
According to Workbc (2019), unemployment in British Columbia has highly fallen due to
an increase in employment growth in the years 2016 and 2017. Between 2018 and 2028, the
demand for skilled employees will increase due to economic growth. It is forecasted that within