Vocational Schools and Colleges in New Brunswick

Notable Industries in New Brunswick

This province’s economy has a lot of bright spots, especially in areas where people new to a career can start flourishing right away. Here are some good examples of sectors expected to generate a lot of jobs:

• Skilled Trades—From energy to mining to advanced manufacturing, some of New Brunswick’s biggest industries need more qualified tradespeople. In fact, up to 6,000 of the province’s skilled workers—representing almost 30 percent of the labour force—are projected to retire soon. And with many large-scale projects beginning in 2016, the demand for tradesmen and women like welders, pipefitters, and industrial electricians should be strong for years to come.**
• Digital Arts and Network Technology—This sector is emerging as a significant contributor to the region’s economy. Over 12,000 New Brunswickers already work as information systems analysts, computer programmers, digital media developers, database administrators, and other types of information and communications technology specialists. By 2021, that number is expected to grow to almost 15,000.*** And many creative companies are producing world-class products related to interactive media, mobile applications, and digital entertainment. It’s why vocational schools offer programs aimed directly at developing skills for this growing industry.
• Health Care and Social Support—Demand for New Brunswick’s health services keeps increasing. In fact, over 26,000 job openings are expected to become available in health care and social assistance between 2023 and 2032—more than any other sector.**** So aspiring professionals in nursing, dental assisting, medical office administration, and many other areas can anticipate increased opportunities.
• Business-Related Services—Companies of all types are attracted to the low cost of doing business in this region. KPMG—one of the world’s biggest professional services company—even named two of New Brunswick’s cities as being among North America’s lowest business cost locations in its Competitive Alternatives study. As a result, people who provide professional services like accounting, marketing, administrative support, or legal assistance can find good employment in the province.
• Tourism—New Brunswick’s visitor economy continues to expand: non-resident tourist spending has risen about 21% since 2022, and the Explore NB program has contributed over $2 billion to the provincial economy.†

New Brunswick’s Urban Triangle

Three cities are responsible for generating most of this province’s economic activity and job growth. Collectively, their residents enjoy average household discretionary incomes that are nearly 50 percent higher than in other areas of the province. Those cities are:

• Fredericton—As the capital of New Brunswick, this city is full of energy and entrepreneurial spirit. Plus, it has, on average, the highest family income levels in the province as well as more than 70 percent of the province’s knowledge industry.‡ And it’s known as a scenic and community-oriented place that encourages healthy and sustainable living.
• Moncton—This friendly city is often called the crossroads of the Maritimes. Fueled by many service sectors, the economy of Moncton has been projected to grow by two percent in 2017 as it gains additional momentum going forward.††
• Saint John—Over most of its history, this city has been a major player in industrial fabrication and manufacturing. Today, that trend continues. However, Saint John is increasingly becoming a much more diversified economy as it collaborates with the other two cities in the urban triangle. The city already has New Brunswick’s highest concentration of cultural institutions, restaurants, and personal wealth.‡‡ And now it is also home to an emerging technology sector that is adding even more opportunities.

Benefits of Getting Your Education in New Brunswick

Pursuing training with New Brunswick vocational schools comes with great advantages such as:

• A fun cultural scene—New Brunswick’s cities are filled with places where you can be yourself and enjoy live music, fascinating art, or other lively entertainment.
• Rejuvenating open spaces—With awe-inspiring trails and natural areas like Fundy National Park and Kouchibouguac National Park, this region gives students the opportunity to go to class downtown and then escape for a hike next to the ocean or the St. John River. You can even do it all in the same day.
• Affordable living—Compared to most other areas of the country, housing costs in New Brunswick are low. And even if you have to commute, you probably won’t have to go far. So gas will likely be a minimal expense, and reliable public transit is available in each city as a great alternative to driving.

How to Move Forward

Enlist the help of one of the vocational schools or colleges in NB. They can assist you with exploring all of your options and fill you in on even more of the province’s best features. Find one right now by putting your postal code into this site’s easy search tool.