A high rate of increase in the number of jobs in highly skilled occupations is expected (Figure 12), for example, managerial and administrative positions, health-related occupations, and jobs in social and natural sciences and engineering. Most of the new positions are expected in fields that require more than 12 years of education or training.

A profession like engineering will face a challenge in matching labour supply with market demand. According to Supply/Demand Forecast for Canadian Engineers 1992-2002 (Canadian Engineering Human Resources Board, available from HRD) 31,000 employment opportunities in engineering will be created by the year 2002; however, the supply of engineers is expected to be only 12,000. The study also noted that currently Canada has the lowest number of scientists and engineers per 1,000 inhabitants among the G-7 nations.