Job prospects Post-secondary Research Assistant in the Estrie Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), there was a labour shortage for Post-secondary teaching and research assistants in the Estrie Region. There were more job openings than workers available to fill them in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Methodology

The employment outlook will be good for Post-secondary teaching and research assistants (NOC 41201) in the Estrie region for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
• Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this occupation depends on government investment in education, and public and private funding of university research and post-secondary student enrollment.

According to the projections of the ministère de l'Éducation, in the medium term, increased enrollment will be mainly attributable to the number of Quebec college and university students. The contribution of international students will remain significant, although the pace of this contribution may slow down. Unlike full professors, whose employment remains stable, this professional group may be more affected by fluctuations in student enrollment. 

However, the labour shortage in several sectors could push many young people to take a job before they graduate, thereby reducing the number of students. Even more so with the increase in the cost of living. Major investments have been announced to promote graduation, student retention and worker requalification.                 

Satellite campuses are expanding rapidly, which is facilitating access to higher education for students in regions outside of large cities.

The introduction of full-time or alternating distance education, which began during the pandemic, required hiring additional resources to support faculty and students. While in-person instruction has returned to the norm, these non-traditional methods will continue to be included in students' academic careers.

Here are some key facts about Post-secondary teaching and research assistants in the Estrie region:

• Approximately 1,200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Post-secondary teaching and research assistants mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Educational services (NAICS 61): 93%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology