Sector had a 4.5 per cent unemployment rate compared to national average of 8.5 per cent in December 2009
The information and communication technology workforce weathered the economic downturn better than other sectors, according to a new report from the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC).
The labour market report found the ICT labour force had a 4.5 per cent unemployment rate in December 2009, compared to the 8.5-per-cent national average.
The 2009 Trends Special Report, based on ICTC's Labour Force Survey, also found the ICT labour market grew most significantly in the Atlantic Region (16.1 per cent), Prairies (13.8 per cent) and Quebec (10.6 per cent). Also, more young people are entering the industry.
“We are pleased to report that more young people are entering information and communications technology careers, and that digital media and database occupations are on the rise in terms of interest,” said ICTC president Paul Swinwood.
“This is encouraging as Canada’s digital advantage depends on having a highly skilled, educated and prepared ICT workforce.”
The ICTC Labour Force Survey tracks 21 occupations, including managers, engineers, analysts, programmers, technicians, as well as other occupations such as technical writers, graphic designers and illustrators.
