Express Entry is a Canadian immigration system designed to help skilled workers move to Canada quickly and easily. The system was launched in 2015 and has since become the most popular immigration pathway for skilled workers looking to move to Canada. The system is not limited to specific industries or occupations, which means that applicants with a variety of skills and backgrounds can apply.
According to a 2022 Express Entry report, the top five most popular jobs of new immigrants in Canada were:
- Food service supervisors
- Software engineers
- Administrative assistants
- Computer programmers and interactive media developers
- Information systems analysts and consultants
In 2019, 2020, and 2021, administrative assistant occupations ranked 5th, 5th and 2nd, respectively.
Why administrative work?
For those looking to gain skills in Canada, administrative work is a great choice for many reasons. First, administrative assistant roles often do not require extensive work experience or specialized education, which makes them very accessible to new immigrants who may not have established careers or education credentials in Canada. Second, administrative assistant roles are in demand in many industries, including healthcare, education, and government among others. This means that there are often job opportunities available for administrative assistants in various fields and locations across Canada.
Administrative assistant roles can also provide a good starting point for new immigrants to gain work experience and establish themselves in the Canadian workforce. Many administrative assistant roles offer on-the-job training and opportunities for career advancement, which can help new immigrants build successful careers in Canada. In addition, administrative assistant roles may offer a level of stability and security that can be appealing to new immigrants. Many administrative assistant roles are full-time positions with benefits and regular hours, which can provide a sense of stability for new immigrants who may be adjusting to a new country and culture.
Where can I learn more about office administration?
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s 32-week Office Administration certificate program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to work in business office environments, with an emphasis on computer applications. The program, which can be taken on-campus in Prince Albert, Regina or online, covers a range of topics, including office procedures, records management, business communication, and computer applications. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of office roles, including administrative support, receptionist, office clerk, and customer service representative. The program also provides a solid foundation for further education in fields such as business, management, and human resources.
See here for more information on the program.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
SAIT’s Office Professional is a one-year training certificate program for students to learn to communicate and work efficiently in an office setting. Upon completion of the program, students can go on to work in professional office settings or continue their studies by applying to the second year of SAIT’s Administrative Information Management diploma. Graduates of both programs go on to work as office assistants, personal secretaries, and even legal assistants and accounting technicians.
See here for more information on the program.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)
KPU’s Melville School of Business offers a Certificate in Legal Administrative Studies, where students can complete courses that span across several areas of Canadian law in as little as 8 months. Topics may include legal administration, which includes legal terminology, legal document preparation, legal research and legal office procedures. Students will also gain practical skills in areas such as transcription, timekeeping and file management. Graduates of this program typically go on to work as legal administrative assistants or legal support staff in law firms, corporate legal departments or government agencies.
See here for more information on the program.
Fanshawe College
The Office Administration (General) program at Fanshawe College is a one-year Ontario College Certificate program for students who wish to learn how to work in office administration- and customer services-related roles. Offered both full-time and part-time, students will take courses such as Accounting Fundamentals, Fundamental Mathematics for Business, Understanding Workplace Behaviours, and more. Graduates of the program leave with a set of highly transferable skills, working with both small and large companies in all sorts of administrative roles.
See here for more information on the program.
Sources: Common jobs for immigrants in Canada, Saskatchewan Polytechnic: Office Administration certificate program, SAIT: Office Professional, KPU: Certificate in Legal Administrative Studies, Fanshawe College: Office Administration – General
