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Career Growth in New Brunswick: Top Industries and Jobs for 2025

New Brunswick’s job market has undergone significant changes over the past five years. Traditional industries such as forestry, pulp and paper, shipbuilding, agriculture, and fishing once dominated employment in the province, but economic shifts, technological advances, and global competition have reshaped the landscape. Today, opportunities are concentrated in healthcare, skilled trades, information technology, education, and agritech, creating new pathways for jobseekers across both urban and rural areas. Understanding these key industries, the companies driving employment growth, and the skills required is essential for long-term career success in New Brunswick.


A New Brunswick City

Healthcare continues to be one of the most stable and rapidly growing sectors in the province, fueled in part by an aging population. Roles in nursing, personal support, medical laboratory technology, and healthcare administration are in high demand. Major employers such as Horizon Health Network, which employs over 12,000 people, and Vitalité Health Network, with more than 10,000 staff serving the province’s French-speaking population, provide a wide range of opportunities across the province. Despite fluctuations in overall employment, New Brunswick’s unemployment rate stood at 7.7 percent as of September 2025, yet the healthcare sector remains a robust source of stable employment. Jobseekers can pursue training and certification through institutions such as the New Brunswick Community College and Université de Moncton, as well as explore job listings through NBJobs.ca.


Skilled trades are also a key driver of employment, providing opportunities in sectors such as construction, electrical work, plumbing, welding, and advanced manufacturing. Companies like Irving Oil, with approximately 1,600 employees at its Saint John refinery, and Cooke Inc., employing around 2,500 people in Atlantic Canada, demonstrate the continued importance of trade skills in energy, manufacturing, and aquaculture. Apprenticeships and certifications through Skilled Trades NB, NBCC, and ApprenticeshipNB provide clear pathways for entering these in-demand careers. Trades positions offer long-term stability, practical work experience, and competitive pay, making them a vital sector for career growth.


Information technology has emerged as a high-growth sector across New Brunswick. Positions in software development, cybersecurity, IT support, and digital health are increasingly accessible, including remote opportunities for residents outside major cities. NB Power, the province’s primary electricity provider with over 2,500 employees, is a key employer in technology-related roles, alongside organizations such as TechImpact NB, which provides IT training and workforce support.


Educational programs at NBCC, along with online certifications such as CompTIA, Microsoft, and Google Cloud, allow jobseekers to develop the skills needed to thrive in this expanding field. Education remains a central component of New Brunswick’s workforce, with strong demand for teachers, educational assistants, and support staff. Institutions like Université de Moncton and NBCC offer training programs to prepare candidates for careers in education and early childhood learning. Employment trends show some fluctuation between part-time and full-time positions, but long-term prospects in the sector remain positive.


Agriculture and aquaculture continue to be essential for rural communities and exports, although the sector has evolved from traditional farming to include agritech and sustainable seafood production. Cooke Inc., a major aquaculture company headquartered in Saint John, exemplifies the integration of technology into agricultural practices, providing a range of jobs in production, management, and technical roles. Training through NBCC and Agriculture and Aquaculture Canada can help jobseekers gain the skills necessary to succeed in this evolving industry.


Businesses across New Brunswick have adopted a variety of strategies to adapt to the changing economy. Many have embraced technology and automation to improve efficiency and remain competitive, particularly in manufacturing, energy, and healthcare. Companies have expanded remote work and hybrid models to retain talent and reach a broader workforce. Organizations such as Cooke Inc. and Irving Oil have invested in training programs and upskilling initiatives to ensure employees meet new technological demands. In healthcare and education, networks like Horizon Health and Vitalité Health Network have implemented flexible scheduling, telehealth, and online learning platforms to adapt to workforce pressures. Additionally, many businesses have diversified their services or product offerings, entered new markets, and leveraged government programs and grants to strengthen resilience and support growth. These strategies reflect a proactive approach to workforce development, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.


Jobseeker Recruit Limited partners with local businesses to help them navigate the evolving job market and secure the talent they need to grow. Our services include sourcing and screening qualified candidates, handling the initial recruitment process, and providing pre-employment assessments to ensure the best fit for each role. We also assist businesses in upskilling their current workforce by connecting them with training resources and programs across healthcare, trades, IT, education, and agritech. Beyond recruitment, we offer guidance on workforce planning, helping businesses anticipate staffing needs, manage seasonal fluctuations, and implement retention strategies that reduce turnover. Additionally, we support companies in accessing government programs, grants, and incentives to fund hiring and training initiatives. By combining local expertise, personalized service, and a deep understanding of New Brunswick’s employment landscape, Jobseeker Recruit Limited helps businesses build a capable, motivated workforce that drives long-term growth.


New Brunswick’s workforce is supported by employers that are actively expanding to meet growing demand. In addition to healthcare networks, energy and aquaculture companies such as Irving Oil, Cooke Inc., and NB Power provide substantial employment opportunities. Organizations like WorkSafeNB, with roughly 500 employees, and Opportunities New Brunswick, which focuses on economic development and employs around 200 people, offer roles in administration, project management, and business development. These companies illustrate the province’s commitment to workforce growth and diversification.


Continuous learning and upskilling are essential for career advancement in New Brunswick. Jobseekers can benefit from post-secondary programs, professional certifications, and government-supported workforce initiatives that align with industry demand. By combining training with guidance from Jobseeker Recruit Limited, candidates can access resources, prepare resumes, improve interview skills, and connect with top employers, ensuring they are positioned to succeed in a competitive job market.


AS New Brunswick city at night

Overall, New Brunswick’s employment landscape has shifted from traditional industries such as forestry, shipbuilding, and fishing to sectors such as healthcare, skilled trades, IT, education, and agritech. Companies including Horizon Health Network, Vitalité Health Network, Irving Oil, Cooke Inc., and NB Power are driving much of the current employment growth. By understanding these trends, leveraging available training programs, and partnering with Jobseeker Recruit Limited, jobseekers and businesses alike can succeed in New Brunswick’s evolving economy.



Career Growth in New Brunswick References:


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