Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment in Newfoundland and Labrador as well as in the rest of the Newfoundland and Labrador.

Location	Employment Potential	Release Date
Newfoundland and Labrador		2011-05-09

LABOUR MARKET CONDITIONS

Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment make up a small occupational group in Newfoundland and Labrador. According to the 2006 Census, the labour force for this occupation consisted of 140 persons. At the time of the Census (May), the majority of these persons were employed. This was an increase of 4% from 2001 levels. Over the same period, employment in all occupations increased by 7%.

Employment is mainly in Health and Social Assistance (68%), with the remainder in Other Services (29%).

According to the 2006 Census, the unemployment rate for this occupation was very low compared to 16% for occupations in general. Monthly reporting, November 2008 to October 2009, indicates that the number of persons collecting Employment Insurance benefits averaged 0.6 throughout this period.

GRADUATE FOLLOW-UP STATISTICS

THIS GRADUATE FOLLOW-UP STATISTICS REPORTS ON REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPISTS ONLY

In 2006, twenty-one people graduated from a two-year program in Massage Therapy. When contacted by the Department of Education for graduate follow-up, 33% of these individuals responded to the survey.

During the reference week of June 25 to July 1, 2007, an average of 86% of job-seeking respondents were working compared to 87% for all two-year programs. The success rate for finding related employment was 57% compared to 58% for all two-year programs.

Overall, results for this program were average.

The reference week is at the beginning of the summer when most of the seasonal jobs are underway. For most graduates, this week would occur approximately one year after graduation which would have allowed graduates a full year to find employment. For more information, visit the CareerSearch 2008 website at:

http://www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/publications/postsecondary/index.html

EMPLOYMENT POTENTIAL

The employment potential for this occupation is GOOD. This employment potential call is based on a review of statistics such as past employment growth in the occupation, the unemployment rate for the occupation (based on the 2006 Census), graduate follow-up survey information, economic forecasting, as well as in-depth consultations with employers, unions and associations.

As the population ages and quality of life enhancement continues to be a focus, the need for a variety of qualified therapists will continue. This occupation includes a variety of titles, so qualifications will depend on the type of position sought. An ageing population will continue to increase demand for services provided by some of these occupations, such as hearing aid consultants.

THIS EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK PORTION IS FOR REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST ONLY.

Massage therapy has the highest concentration of workers in this group, and demand for their services is steadily increasing as with many other health related occupations. Fueling this demand is increased public awareness, focus on health issues, the need for alternative therapies and stress reduction, in combinaton with most healthcare plans now providing coverage for massage therapy.

Self-employment among massage therapists is quite common. The trend among Massage Therapists is to work for an employer when first entering the profession, then moving to self employment when they are more experienced. Establishing your own practice in this profession has relatively low start-up costs, allows greater flexibility and potential for higher income, so it is an attractive option for many workers. This makes it challenging for employers to keep their workers for long periods but it does create opportunity for newly trained workers to find jobs, especially in rural areas of the province, as employers indicate a difficulty in filling positions.

The Massage Therapist's Association of NL requires new members to pass a written and practical exam before receiving membership.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Canadian Occupational Projections System (COPS)

Department of Education, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE), Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Service Canada

Statistics Canada

Local Labour Market News

Week of Jun 03 – Jun 07, 2013

• The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) approved a development plan for the South White Rose extension. This allows the proponents to move ahead with their plans.
• The Iron Ore Company of Canada has laid off some of its executives in an effort to reduce costs. However, it is still growing its mining activities in Labrador.
• The provincial government announced funding of $862,500 to over 100 community groups and not-for-profit organizations for a variety of health initiatives
• Almost one-half of all major projects in Atlantic Canada are based in Newfoundland and Labrador, according to the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council

Week of May 27 – May 31, 2013

• Eastern Health's food service workers held a demonstration regarding the outsourcing of the Tim Horton's outlets at regional hospitals in NL. About 70 people will lose their jobs.
• The provincial government announced $480,000 in funding through the Technology Utilization Program to support innovation and technology to 10 local businesses in NL
• Thirty-three dentists with Eastern Health have given their employer a 90-day notice indicating they will no longer be available to work after hours. The only two dental surgeons in NL recently resigned.

Week of May 20 – May 24, 2013

• Nalcor has launched a new website (www.muskratfalls.nalcorenergy.com) that provides detailed information on employment and business opportunities, construction work and updates on the Muskrat Falls project in Labrador.
• The Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador has awarded $1.8M to 12 businesses in NL in support of Innovation and Economic Diversification Projects

Week of May 13 – May 17, 2013

• The provincial government has loaned $475,000 to Burton’s Cove Logging and Lumber Limited of Burton's Cove for working capital. The loan is to help secure inventory and assist the company in obtaining sawlogs from Corner Brook Pulp and Paper.