WorkBC has published the 2025-2035 BC Labour Market Outlook, which provides a 10-year forecast of the flow of supply and demand for labour in the province. This ten-year forecast offers important insights into hiring, skills development, and operational planning for business owners, non-profits, and community partners in the Cowichan region.
Key takeaways from the Regional Outlook for the Vancouver Island/Coast economic region (which includes the Cowichan region) include:
- The region is forecast to have approximately 188,600 job openings over the 2025-2035 period.
- Average annual employment growth is projected at about 1.3% for the region—slightly outperforming the province as a whole.
- A large share of those openings will be replacement demand (jobs created as existing workers retire or leave) rather than growth-driven openings; around 66% from replacement and 34% from expansion.
- The top 5 industries by total expected job openings are: retail (excluding cars and personal care), hospitals, ambulatory health care services, legal/accounting/design/research/advertising services, and nursing and residential care facilities.
Also significant, of the 1,052,000 job openings projected in BC over the coming decade, 77% of those will require some form of post-secondary education or specialized training.
It’s important to note how this edition of the Outlook differs from the 2024 version, and what that signals for businesses in the Cowichan region.
- Province-wide, the number of projected job openings has been revised downward in the 2025 Outlook by 68,000 compared to last year’s estimate. This is largely driven by assumptions of slower population growth, particularly because of reduced federal immigration targets.
- Conversely, projected job openings in the Vancouver Island/Coast region are up 21,900 in 2025 compared to the 2024 Outlook, and employment growth is up slightly as well (from 1.1% in 2024 to 1.3% in 2025).
- Employment growth due to expansion is up from 30% in the 2024 Outlook to 34% in the 2025 Outlook, but replacement demand (due to retirements) remains the dominant driver.
The 2025–2035 projections paint a cautiously optimistic picture for the Cowichan region—steady growth, strong demand across key service sectors, and continuing pressure to find and keep qualified workers. So what does this mean for Cowichan employers?
- Workforce stability will be key.
With two-thirds of new job openings tied to retirements or workforce exits, the challenge for local employers is not just creating jobs but keeping their teams intact. This means placing greater emphasis on succession planning, mentorship, and retaining experienced staff to preserve institutional knowledge.
- Slightly faster growth offers opportunity—but also competition.
The region’s above-average 1.3 % growth rate suggests that Vancouver Island’s economy—including the Cowichan region—may outperform other parts of the province. However, this will also intensify competition for skilled workers, particularly in health care, retail, and professional services. Businesses should prepare now by reviewing wages, benefits, and workplace culture to stay competitive.
- Training and education partnerships will matter more than ever.
As 77 % of future job openings will require post-secondary education or specialized training, local employers can benefit from working more closely with training providers, colleges, and WorkBC Centres to build custom pathways for skill development and retention.
- Expansion growth creates room for entrepreneurship and innovation.
With expansion now representing a larger share of regional growth (34 % up from 30 %), the outlook signals opportunities for new ventures and business expansion—especially in sectors like health care support services, professional consulting, and technology applications that support those industries.
- Local quality of life remains a competitive advantage.
While slower population growth province-wide may tighten labour supply, the Cowichan region can leverage its quality of life, community connections, and natural amenities to attract talent seeking balanced, place-based careers. Highlighting these benefits will be key to regional recruitment and retention.
Review the full BC Labour Market Outlook 2025-2035 on the WorkBC website.
