Here is Why International Students should Study Social Work in Canada

Van Nguyen
October 28, 2021

The labor shortage is a common situation after the pandemic in developed countries such as the UK, Australia, the US, and Canada. Especially in Canada, the shortage of skilled labor is a problem that causes the government a headache. In addition to this issue, new job openings in a 10-year vision are expecting 11,030 jobs. The annual BC median salary in this industry is very decent, recognized at $43,798 (based on 2020 Job Bank wage data); the hourly rate ranges from $16 to $29.

Therefore, Canada has launched many priority policies and immigration programs for international students, in order to attract talented people to study and work in this country. At the top of the list, social work is one of the priority professions in Canada. Without a doubt, studying social work in Canada will be a great life-changing opportunity for those who love to work in this industry along with the opportunity to reside in Canada.

Among the career opportunities for social workers, there are many expected in the future. In addition to caring for a growing elderly population, the new positions will involve working with pregnant teenagers, the homeless, and those with psychiatric disabilities or substance abuse issues. This number may fluctuate depending on government policy, but during the pandemic, it has been increasing drastically.

Outreach and community development are also expected to grow, especially in rehabilitation and youth-oriented programs.

In addition, residential care facilities and nongovernmental social service organizations are expected to offer the most job opportunities.

As a final point, despite the relatively young age of workers, retirements also provide job vacancies.

Entry-level jobs in social and community service usually involve working part-time for one or more organizations. They can work as childcare referrals, victim services, community or family support specialists, infant development specialists, activity specialists, transition specialists, crisis response specialists, and housing specialists. Those with more qualifications may do social work.

Social and community service workers who gain additional education, training, and experience may advance to the ranks of professional or supervisory social service workers. They may become social workers, probation or parole officers, or family, marriage, or other counselors. Highly experienced workers may become coordinators or senior-level counselors, or they may work in management.

A social work, child and youth care, counseling, or another social science or health-related discipline is usually required for employment as a social and community service worker. The length of the program depends on the area of study.

Graduates with work experience in a social service environment are preferred. This may include volunteerism, internships, mentoring, and internal training. In some cases, experience may replace formal education requirements.

Training in workplace wellness can make this work especially satisfying.

Some employers require social service workers to be registered with the relevant occupational organization.