A key part of understanding how to market yourself in Canada is knowing what skills employers are looking for. Research has shown that employers prefer candidates with a "skills first" approach rather than those who focus on their accolades and experience. In 2022, 40% of hirers on LinkedIn used skills to fill open roles, marking a notable 20% year-over-year increase.

Big-name companies like Accenture, Apple, General Motors, EY, Google, IBM, Merck and PwC have also stopped requiring applicants to have a degree. Instead, they’ve shifted their focus to the skills applicants bring to the table. 

So, do yourself a favor and focus on communicating and demonstrating the tech skills you have to offer. It’ll help you land one of your dream jobs in Canada. 

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The Tech Landscape in Canada

Canada has become a hotspot for big tech, with Microsoft joining Toronto's core, close to Apple and Amazon. Google also has plans to expand its presence in the country. 

Alongside big tech, there has been a surge of startups, driven by innovation and entrepreneurship, especially after COVID-19. Canadians are embracing technology and digital solutions to adapt to the changing landscape.

In this thriving tech scene, numerous job opportunities are available, and the government is actively recruiting global tech talent. As an Indian tech professional, consider moving to Canada. 

Whether you’re a one of the H-1B Visa holders living in the US, or coming straight from India, there are a variety of ways to move to Canada. Regardless of the route you take, you’ll have the opportunity to work and live within a vibrant tech ecosystem filled with high paying jobs in demand. So, if you're one of India’s many skilled workers, Canada is the place to go. Keep reading to learn more. 


What Tech Skills Are in Demand in Canada?

If you don’t currently have the skills below, consider brushing up on them. It’ll go a long way in helping you secure an in-demand tech job in the great white north. 

Low-Code Development

The world market for low code development is expected to hit 32 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. More and more companies around the world are relying on low-code development technologies to meet the rising demand for faster application delivery and personalized automation workflows. 

Canada isn’t immune to this trend. You can find a ton of job vacancies for low-code developers. Companies are looking for skilled professionals with the necessary skills to build low-code application platforms (LCAPs), Business Process Automation (BPA), Multi Experience Development Platforms (MDXP), and other low-code technologies. 

If you’re an Indian tech professional looking to settle in Canada, you’ll also be glad to know that experts recognize the value global talent can bring to low code development. Jason Wong, a VP Analyst from Gartner, stated, "The high cost of tech talent and a growing hybrid or borderless workforce will contribute to low-code technology adoption.”

So, just like the rest of the world, the demand for tech professionals with low code development experience is on the rise. A part of this demand can be attributed to the rise of hyper-automation, which is projected to hit USD 26.67 billion by 2028. 

Gartner predicts that a substantial portion of spending on automation will be focused on low-code development technologies like Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS), and Robotic process automation (RPA), among others. These technologies help to support process automation, integration, decision analytics, and intelligence use cases.

Data Literacy

Research predicts that by 2023 data literacy will be the most in-demand skill worldwide. To boot, 85% of executives believe that it’ll be just as important as the ability to use a computer today. The role of Chief Automation Officer will likely become a fixture in the next decade, and all levels of staff will be needed to support their initiatives. 

The same is true for Canada. More and more companies in Canada rely on data to make decisions and drive strategies. In recent years, data has reshaped the country's economy and society. In 2018, Statistics Canada gauged that Canadians invested as much as $40 billion in data.

That number has likely skyrocketed nearly five years later as data becomes even more critical. As a result, tech professionals who understand how to work with data have a lot to offer employers in Canada. 

Many employers in different industries are looking for candidates with data literacy skills. This isn’t limited to data scientists and analysts either. Employers in Canada want tech professionals across different roles and industries to have data literacy skills. 

So, if you’re an Indian tech professional who wants to stay competitive in the coming years, consider brushing up on (or acquiring) some data literacy skills. It’ll help you stay ahead of the curve in Canada. 

Cloud Computing

Global spending on the public cloud market is expected to grow to 600 billion US dollars this year, up from 491 billion U.S. dollars in 2022. This clearly isn’t chump change. The need for cloud migration is on the up and up and isn’t expected to stop. As a result, companies all over the world are investing in it and looking for highly skilled talent who can develop it. 

Canada is in on it too. Spending in the public cloud market in Canada is expected to hit US$11.23 billion in 2023. In 2023, Software as a Service (SaaS) is expected to be the leading force in the market, with a projected volume of US$6.68 billion. So, if you’re a tech professional with cloud computing skills, you have a lot of opportunities to grow and learn in Canada. 

With a thriving demand for cloud solutions, Canada's tech market is full of potential for tech enthusiasts. The country's growing investment in the public cloud market means that companies are actively searching for highly skilled talent to develop and implement innovative cloud solutions.

Agile Project Management

The Global Agile Project Management Tools market is poised for growth between 2023 to 2030 and is expected to be in the multimillion range by 2029. Much of this growth is expected to happen in North America.

There’s a growing trend of companies in Canada adopting Agile methodologies in their project management practices. You can also find a number of agile project management tools being developed in Canada. 

This shift is driven by the need for increased efficiency and faster project delivery. Agile's approach allows Canadian businesses to respond swiftly to changing market demands and evolving customer needs. As a result, Canadian companies are looking for professionals who have an in-depth understanding of agile project management. 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Canada has been investing in artificial intelligence and machine learning in recent years. In fact, In 2021, Stanford University's Global AI Vibrancy Tool ranked Canada fifth out of 29 countries and third among G7 nations for its AI research, development, and impact on the economy.

And in 2017, Canada made history by becoming the first country to launch a national AI strategy known as the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy. With $125 million in funding, the Strategy aimed to foster the growth and development of a robust AI community within Canada.

So, it’s clear that Canada has put artificial intelligence and machine learning at the forefront, creating a growing demand for professionals skilled in these areas. 

Companies and organizations across various industries are actively seeking individuals with AI and machine learning expertise to drive innovation, optimize processes, and develop cutting-edge solutions. 

As Canada continues to be a hub for AI research and development, professionals with these skills can look forward to exciting career opportunities and contribute to the country's leadership in the global AI landscape.

UI/UX Design

Companies in Canada have woken up to the fact that user-centric design is everything.  And it's proving to be a leader in the industry. According to Hootsuite's State of UX report, Canada ranks as the third most popular country for UX professionals, closely following the United States and the United Kingdom. 

Many employers in Canada understand UI and UX design can make or break your business. With the competition from new mobile apps, websites, and digital products, having a smooth and user-friendly design is crucial. 

As a result, UI and UX design is in high demand in Canada. Employers are looking for tech professionals who can create quality user experiences and design intuitive user interfaces. 

Cybersecurity

With the rise of cyberattacks, the demand for cybersecurity skills is skyrocketing worldwide. As per the (ISC)2 2022 Cyber Workforce Report, there is a worldwide shortage of approximately 3.4 million cybersecurity professionals, up from last year's 2.7 million. 

Employers in Canada can’t fill roles fast enough. In fact, one in six cybersecurity jobs goes unfilled. This has serious consequences for businesses throughout the country as they struggle to fend off cyberattacks, leading to reputational damage and severe financial consequences. 

And, very few businesses nowadays are immune to cyberattacks. In the last 12 months, a whopping 80% of organizations worldwide faced at least one breach due to a lack of cybersecurity skills and awareness. Nearly 20% of them experienced five or more breaches.

As time goes on, cyberattacks are expected to become even more effective. As a result, 

the demand for tech professionals with cybersecurity skills is projected to keep growing in Canada. 

Programming and Software Development

The demand for tech professionals with programming and software development skills is reaching unprecedented levels in Canada. As the country embraces more technology-driven solutions, businesses and industries rely heavily on tech professionals who understand how to create and implement innovative software solutions.

This surge in demand has created a thriving tech ecosystem, shaping the future of Canada's digital landscape. With technology playing a central role in various sectors, the need for skilled tech professionals is only expected to grow, making it a fantastic time to pursue a career in programming and software development in Canada.

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How to Brush up on Your Skills

It’s never too late to upskill or reskill, and there are a number of ways you can go about it. Consider taking the following routes. 

Online Courses

Take advantage of online platforms that offer courses and tutorials for the skills you want to develop. Take courses on Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning to learn new tech skills like Python programming or data analysis.

Certifications

Consider getting certified in your chosen field to showcase your expertise. Get certified by organizations like Microsoft or AWS in areas like cloud computing or cybersecurity to show your expertise.

Hands-On Practice

Work on real projects to apply what you learn and build a portfolio.

Networking

Join tech communities and meetups to connect with like-minded professionals. Join tech communities and attend meetups like TechTO or DevTO to connect with other tech enthusiasts and professionals.

Internships/Apprenticeships

Look for internships or co-op programs at tech companies or startups to gain valuable experience.

Workshops/Webinars

Attend workshops or webinars on AI, blockchain, or other tech topics to stay updated on industry trends.

Stay Informed

Read tech blogs and industry publications to keep yourself informed. Check out resources like The Globe and Mail Technology, IT World Canada, Mobile Syrup, and BetaKit, to name a few. 

Contribute to Open Source

Contribute to open-source projects on GitHub or GitLab to showcase your skills and collaborate with others.

Reach out for Help

Connect with experienced professionals on LinkedIn and seek mentorship to learn from their expertise. Sending a message to someone in your industry can go a long way. You have nothing to lose- so reach out and ask for help. 

Continuous Learning

Keep exploring new technologies and take specialized courses to stay competitive in the job market.

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Securing a Work Permit in Canada as an Indian Tech Professional

Express Entry

Looking to attract global talent, the Canadian government has set up an Express Entry program for skilled workers. If you are a skilled worker looking to immigrate to Canada, then this may be the ideal program for you. The Canadian labour market is competitive but it also lacks many profiles with specialized tech skills. So, check out the three streams under the Express Entry program.

Federal skilled worker program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) allows highly-skilled foreign nationals to create an online profile. There is a comprehensive ranking system (CRS) that the system uses to evaluate candidates. Those who score highest are invited to apply for a Canadian permanent residence.

Canadian experience class

If you already have work experience in Canada, say on a temporary work permit, then the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) may be your best bet to move to Canada. You'll need at least 12 months of full-time work experience in Canada (or the part-time equivalent).

Federal skilled trades

This program is designed for skilled trades and not so much for tech professionals. The skilled worker must prove at least two years of experience in a skilled trade to qualify for this stream.

Express entry pool

Once you fill out your Express Entry profile, you'll be entered into the Express Entry pool. Besides professional qualifications, the CRS will also consider age, language skills in Canada's official languages (English and French), the local labor market in the Canadian province where you want to settle, and so on.

Sponsorship by an Employer

Another pathway to Canada for foreign workers is to receive a valid job offer. This means that you arrive in Canada with arranged employment, rather than as a permanent resident. Often, this type of employment authorization will be temporary and you will then need to pursue one of the programs by Canada immigration to get a permanent residence.

Obtaining a permanent residence and Canadian citizenship

To become a Canadian citizen, you'll first need to get a permanent residency status and then apply for your citizenship. It's best to consult citizenship and immigration services on the exact process for your specific profile, as everyone's case is different depending on their visa category.

Generally speaking, you'll need to spend at least three out of five years living consecutively in Canada as a permanent resident first. You'll also need to pass a citizenship test.

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Wrapping up

So, there you have it. Now that you have a solid idea of the tech skills in demand in Canada, you can equip yourself for a successful career. 

Keep in mind that these skills are particularly needed in Canada’s urban cores, like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Vancouver. However, opportunity is also increasingly available in other areas throughout Canada. 

So make sure to do your research on Canada’s tech hotspots and do your best to brush up on your skills.

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Disclaimer

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