
If you're wondering what jobs are needed in Quebec right now, the short answer is that healthcare, technology, and skilled trades are the top three sectors facing the most severe talent shortages. Based on recent labour market data from the Government of Quebec and industry reports, the demand for these roles is expected to intensify through 2026 and beyond.
Let me break it down with a quick snapshot of the most in‑demand roles:
| Sector | Specific Roles | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Registered nurses, practical nurses, home care aides, medical laboratory technologists | Aging population, pandemic backlog, and retirement wave |
| Technology | Software developers, cybersecurity analysts, data scientists, cloud architects | Digital transformation, remote work expansion, and AI adoption |
| Skilled Trades | Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, construction managers, heavy equipment operators | Infrastructure projects, housing demand, and aging workforce |
| Education | Early childhood educators, special education teachers, French‑language instructors | Government investment in early learning and bilingualism mandates |
| Logistics & Transport | Truck drivers, warehouse workers, supply chain coordinators | E‑commerce growth and port activity in Montreal |
What stands out is that bilingualism (French‑English) is a major advantage—many employers in Montreal and Gatineau explicitly require it, especially for customer‑facing and management roles. Also, the healthcare shortage is so acute that the province has launched accelerated training programs and fast‑tracked foreign credential recognition for nurses.
If you're planning a career move or a job search in Quebec, focusing on these areas will give you the highest chance of landing interviews. The key is to complement your technical skills with a willingness to adapt to Quebec’s unique labour laws and cultural expectations. For example, understanding the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) regulations can be a plus in HR and operations roles.

I’ve been scanning job boards and talking to friends across different industries, and honestly, nursing and software development are the two fields where you can’t go a week without seeing a new opening. In my circle, the ones who landed jobs fastest were those with certifications in cloud computing or a diploma in practical nursing. The trades are also huge—my cousin finished his electrician apprenticeship last year and had three offers before he even graduated. If you’re flexible about location, cities like Saguenay and Trois‑Rivières are desperate for workers, and they offer relocation bonuses sometimes.

From my perspective, the biggest need I see is in skilled trades and construction. I’ve been in the industry for decades, and the number of retirements is staggering. Young people aren’t joining the trades fast enough. Electricians, welders, and heavy equipment operators are getting calls every day. The government is pouring money into new hospitals and schools, so the demand isn’t letting up. If you’re willing to work with your hands and learn French on the job, you’ll be busy for years.

When I arrived in Quebec two years ago, I quickly noticed that bilingual customer service roles and healthcare support jobs are always hiring. Places like call centers, hospitals, and clinics struggle to find people who can handle both English and French fluently. I also see a lot of demand for accounting technicians and payroll clerks, especially in companies that serve both local and international clients. The key is to get your French up to a solid conversational level—even if you’re in tech, many internal meetings are in French.

Among my classmates, the talk is all about data science and cybersecurity. We’re aiming for those because the salaries are high and the companies are everywhere—from startups in Montreal to big firms like Ubisoft and Shopify. But we also hear that early childhood education is a hidden gem; the government offers grants for training, and the job placement rate is nearly 100% in some regions. So if you’re not into coding, that’s a solid path that’s begging for people.


