Employment Outlook

The employment outlook will be moderate for User support technicians (22221) in Prince Edward Island for the 2022-2024 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
• High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

User support technicians are employed mainly in computer systems services, business support services and public administration. A large number work as customer service representatives in call centres providing technical computer-related information for incoming inquiries. This is the largest IT-related occupation on P.E.I. Although most employment opportunities are full-time, year-round, some positions, such as those in call centres, may depend upon contract agreements between call centres and IT-related companies.

Cloud computing, which offers a cluster of on-line information technology services, is expected to impact the demand for in-house support technicians. The increasing use of remote desktop connections and virtual desktops that make computers easily accessible may also lead to offices moving in-house IT workers/departments into centralized service hubs. There continues to be some demand for well-rounded user support technicians with both technical and non-technical skills, including strong communication and client-service skills. Given the rapid changes in technology, it is important for those in this occupation to continue to develop and update their skill set.

Here are some key facts about User support technicians in Prince Edward Island:

• Approximately 600 people work in this occupation.
• User support technicians mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 34%
  • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 23%
  • Management and administrative services (NAICS 55, 56): 15%
  • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 12%
  • Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 6%
• 81% of user support technicians work all year, while 19% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
• Less than 5% of user support technicians are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 69% compared to 51% for all occupations
  • Women: 31% compared to 49% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 28% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor’s: 49% compared to 25% for all occupations
  • bachelor’s degree: 17% compared to 17% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 8% compared to 8% for all occupations

Source: Job Bank

Prevailing Wages