Behind the Numbers
British Columbia’s June 2025 labour market report made waves across the province. With 7,100 new full-time jobs added and a dip in the unemployment rate to 5.4%, headlines were quick to paint a rosy picture. But for job seekers, especially those in specific sectors or regions, the reality is more nuanced.
This blog unpacks three significant stories: the strong June job growth, the federal-provincial partnership to streamline foreign credential recognition, and a revealing new survey showing employers are still having difficulty filling jobs despite the growing labour force.
Together, these developments offer both hope and caution. The job market is evolving, and to succeed in it, job seekers need to understand both where opportunities lie and what barriers remain.
June’s Labour Market Boost – Who Benefited?
According to Statistics Canada’s June Labour Force Survey, BC added 7,100 full-time jobs, marking one of the strongest performances in the country. The provincial unemployment rate fell to 5.4%, and the labour force grew by over 17,000 people. In fact, BC accounted for nearly half of Canada’s national labour force growth.
But when we look at where the jobs were created, the picture gets more complex. Job growth was unevenly distributed, with the Lower Mainland and Okanagan showing strong performance, while some rural and northern regions continued to face stagnation or even job losses.
Sector-wise, the gains leaned heavily into construction, professional services, and public administration. While these are essential pillars of the BC economy, they often require specific qualifications, experience, or security clearances, making them less accessible to new grads or mid-career switchers.
So, while the job market is growing, the question remains: are the new roles aligned with the skills and needs of today’s job seekers?
Section 2: Making Foreign Credentials Count
Another major story this month was the announcement of a $3.5 million joint investment by the federal and BC governments to speed up the recognition of foreign credentials in key fields. This initiative is long overdue.
BC relies heavily on skilled immigrants in sectors like healthcare, construction, and technology. But many newcomers face years-long delays in having their education and experience recognized. This results in wasted talent, underemployment, and economic inefficiency.
With this investment, the province aims to:
- Shorten processing times for credential recognition
- Expand support for internationally trained professionals
- Increase collaboration with regulatory bodies and employers
For job seekers who have immigrated to Canada, this signals a long-needed shift. While it won’t solve all problems overnight, it lays the groundwork for more equitable access to professional roles.
For employers, this could help ease ongoing talent shortages in fields that require certified expertise. And for the broader economy, better integration of skilled immigrants translates to stronger, more diverse growth.
Why Employers Are Still Struggling to Hire
Despite these gains, a new report from the BC Chamber of Commerce paints a surprising picture: many employers are still finding it hard to hire the right talent.
Their June 2025 survey of over 500 businesses showed that more than half are struggling to fill open positions. Key reasons include:
- Skills mismatches
- Lack of applicants with the right experience
- Regional gaps between where jobs are and where job seekers live
Interestingly, this is happening even as the labour force grows. What we’re seeing is a structural disconnect between what employers are asking for and what workers can offer.
This mismatch suggests the need for more investment in:
- On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships
- Career bridging programs
- Microcredentials and re-skilling for mid-career professionals
It also suggests job seekers need to shift their strategies. Targeting sectors with ongoing shortages, building specific technical skills, and demonstrating adaptability are increasingly critical.
What It Means for Job Seekers
So, how can you navigate this complicated labour market?
1. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on sector-specific trends. For example, construction and tech are both hiring, but they demand very different credentials.
2. Build Credibility: Whether you’re an immigrant professional or a recent grad, adding Canadian experience through volunteering, temp work, or freelance projects can make a big difference.
3. Upskill Strategically: Look for short, targeted training that leads to in-demand certifications. Employers are prioritizing candidates who can demonstrate they’re ready to hit the ground running.
4. Network Locally: Employers still rely on referrals and community networks. Attending events, connecting on LinkedIn, and engaging with local chambers or professional associations can help you access the hidden job market.
5. Get Professional Support: A resume that clearly aligns your experience with a specific job posting is more important than ever. Job seekers who tailor their applications and prep strategically for interviews consistently outperform those who don’t.
What Employers Can Do Differently
If you’re an employer reading this, the current disconnect is a chance to rethink your hiring strategy. Consider:
- Being open to candidates from non-traditional backgrounds
- Reducing over-reliance on experience-based screening
- Building more structured training programs for new hires
- Working with local organizations that support newcomers or upskilling
A more inclusive hiring approach doesn’t just fill positions, it builds stronger, more resilient teams.
Looking Ahead – Labour Market Forecasts and Trends
Looking beyond June, the trends are mixed. On the one hand, infrastructure spending, tech investments, and demographic retirements point to continued demand in certain sectors. On the other, automation, tight interest rates, and global uncertainty may slow hiring in others.
Job seekers should prepare for a market that rewards flexibility, continual learning, and self-marketing.
Likewise, governments and educational institutions must continue aligning training programs with real job market demand—not just theoretical curriculum goals.
Adaptability Is the New Advantage
BC’s June job numbers offer optimism, but also a challenge. Growth is real, but uneven. Opportunity exists, but requires strategic navigation.
Whether you’re a job seeker trying to land your next role, a newcomer navigating foreign credential barriers, or an employer struggling to hire, the message is the same: alignment is everything.
At my Vancouver resume writing practice, I work with clients across sectors and experience levels to help them stand out, seize opportunities, and build lasting careers. If you’re feeling uncertain about your next step, let’s connect.
In this shifting market, clarity, confidence, and a well-placed resume can make all the difference.