Explore Careers - Job Market Report

in
Printing Options
Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers  (NOC 2174)
Vancouver Island and Coast Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Computer programmers write, modify, integrate and test computer code for microcomputer and mainframe software applications, data processing applications, operating systems-level software and communications software. Interactive media developers write, modify, integrate and test computer code for Internet applications, computer-based training software, computer games, film, video and other interactive media. They are employed in computer software development firms, information technology consulting firms, and in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors.

Web programmer, application programmer, business application programmer, computer game developer, computer programmer, e-business (electronic business) software developer, interactive media developer, multimedia developer, operating systems programmer, programmer analyst, scientific programmer, software developer, software programmer, systems programmer.

View all

Computer programmers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Write, modify, integrate and test software code
  • Maintain existing computer programs by making modifications as required
  • Identify and communicate technical problems, processes and solutions
  • Prepare reports, manuals and other documentation on the status, operation and maintenance of software
  • Assist in the collection and documentation of user's requirements
  • Assist in the development of logical and physical specifications
  • May lead and co-ordinate teams of computer programmers
  • May research and evaluate a variety of software products.
Interactive media developers perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Program animation software to predefined specifications for interactive CDs, DVDs, video game cartridges and internet-based applications
  • Program special effects software for film and video applications
  • Write, modify, integrate and test software code for e-commerce and other Internet applications
  • Assist in the collection and documentation of user's requirements
  • Assist in the development of logical and physical specifications
  • May lead and co-ordinate teams of interactive media developers
  • May research and evaluate a variety of interactive media software products.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Victoria, Campbell River, Colwood, Courtenay, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni, Comox, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Port McNeill, Qualicum Beach, Sidney, View Royal, Cumberland, Sooke

View all

View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers in Vancouver Island and Coast Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers in Vancouver Island and Coast Region as well as in the rest of the British Columbia.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Vancouver Island and Coast Region Good 2012-04-03

Job prospects are good for computer programmers and interactive media developers. Although many Vancouver Island employers seek people with work experience, opportunities also exist for junior programmers.

Vancouver Island has a strong information technology sector with specialization in software and web development, and also environmental technology. The majority of the Island's nearly 1,500 high tech companies are located in Greater Victoria, the capital city of BC; however, businesses are also prevalent in Nanaimo and Comox-Strathcona. Some of BC's larger technology companies have their headquarters in Victoria, including broadband hardware manufacturer Vecima Networks and Carmanah Technologies, a manufacturer of solar energy products.

The largest Island industry employing computer programmers is professional, scientific and technical services.

The Victoria Advanced Technology Council (VIATeC) is an excellent source of technology-related job listings as well as labour market trends. Other useful sites for job listings include the BC Technology Industry Association, Techvibes, and T-Net.

As with all technology computer programmers must continuously keep their skills up to date, in order to remain competitive and employable.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the British Columbia and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.