Work in the New Economy

C. Occupational Classifications

An occupational classification system provides a basis for ordering the existing occupational structures. Tracking the labour force through different occupations offers information on the relationship of occupations to job supply and demand by:

• demonstrating where there are opportunities to advance and where there are new entry-level positions;
• suggesting education and training needs; and
• indicating the number of people engaged in a certain occupation over time.

The NOC Web Site http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/ This Web Site is an interactive reference application of NOC. It provides all the information in the print version of NOC and the Career Handbook. Search for NOC groups by code or title using the NOC search engine. Each profile has a NOC description, a Career Handbook description and an "immigration view." The immigration view focusses on education and training, and includes the aptitudes, interests and worker functions as they apply to the main duties. A compare function allows users to view user-specified NOC and Career Handbook data elements. The application includes an extensive library of on-line, context-sensitive help screens that allow users to access help at any time. A NOC user's guide is also available on the site. There is an "Add to Bookmarks" button on each profile and a direct link to Job Futures for occupational outlooks. A broad spectrum of user groups, including representatives from counselling, labour market analysis, rehabilitation, education, employment equity, youth services and adult education services, were consulted on the development of the site.

Through a classification system, career practitioners and educators can help clients and students gain a good deal of information about occupations in order to make informed career decisions. They can find out the nature of jobs and the training required to perform them, and about job mobility and wages.