Job prospects First Cook in the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), there was a labour shortage for Cooks in the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region. There were more job openings than workers available to fill them in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Assessment Methodology

The employment outlook will be good for Cooks (NOC 63200) in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region for the 2023-2025 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
• Several positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Future growth will come mainly from making up for the jobs lost during the health crisis, but this may not be sufficient to return to pre-pandemic levels.

The more difficult economic context and changes in consumer habits could erode business profits and limit the ability of companies to recruit staff. The occupation would also be disadvantaged by the anticipated drop in the number of diners in restaurants with dining rooms in favour of fast food and take-out meals.

In addition, the restaurant industry is facing competition from companies that deliver ready-to-eat boxes and from retail businesses that are diversifying their service offering by opening fast food or ready-to-eat outlets.

After more than two years of travel restrictions, the recovery of leisure tourism will benefit the occupation.

Continued telework in companies and the slow recovery of business tourism could deprive restaurants of a good part of their clientele, especially in city centres.

Nevertheless, turnover may result in additional employment opportunities. People with experience will easily find work. In addition, the scarcity of available labour will improve prospects for less experienced job seekers.

While the employment outlook for this occupation is good at the provincial level, it will be moderate in Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Laurentides, Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec.

Here are some key facts about Cooks in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region:

• Approximately 1,490 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Cooks mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Accommodation and food services (NAICS 72): 60%
  • Nursing and residential care facilities and social assistance (NAICS 623-624): 20%
  • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 13%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology