Monday, February 22, 2016

National Occupational Classification

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a system of organizing information about occupations in Canada. Every occupation in Canada has a NOC job description, which provides listings of the main duties, employment requirements and job titles. These descriptions are identified by a four-digit code called the NOC code.

Knowing the NOC code for the job you are interested in can make online research easier and quicker. This is because many job search services organize their job listings and occupation information by the NOC code. Here’s how the NOC code works:

• The first number identifies the sector. There are 10 sectors in total (0–9). For example, 0 refers to management occupations, while 6 refers to sales and service occupations.

• The second number refers to the level of education or training the job requires (1–6). Generally:

1 requires a university education

2 or 3 requires a community college or apprenticeship training

4 or 5 requires a high school diploma and/or job-specific training

6 usually requires a short demonstration or on-the-job training

• The third and fourth numbers refer to specific occupations within the sector.

In the example on the right, the 2 refers to the sector Natural and Applied Sciences; the 1 means it generally requires a university degree; together, the code 2146 is the code specific to aerospace engineers. Because the NOC groups occupations that are similar to each other, it is easy to find information about occupations that are related to your occupation of choice. This can be useful if you cannot find a job in your occupation and want to broaden your job search.

Locate the NOC website (www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC). 

PayScale.ca

www.jobfutures.ca

Task 1:

List the 10 sectors that the first digit of the NOC code refers to. In small groups, brainstorm three occupations for each sector.

0 Management Occupations	6 Sales and service occupations
1 Business, finance and administration      occupations	7 Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations
2 Natural and applied sciences and related    occupations	8 Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations
3 Health occupations	9 Occupations in manufacturing and utilities
4 Occupations in education, law and social, community and government services
5 Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport

Task 2:

Think of an occupation you would like to enter in Canada (either as a survival job, or in the occupation you are trained for). Which of the above sectors is this occupation in?

My occupation is in #3.

Task 3:

Find the NOC code for an occupation that interests you. Read the NOC description for this occupation.       

a) How many Major Groups are listed in this sector? What are they?
There are 4 Major Groups listed in this sector.They are Professional occupations in nursing, Professional occupations in health, Technical occupations in health, Assisting occupations in support of health service.  

b) What types of occupations are within this Major Group (represented by the three-digit code)?
Total unit group titles:36.

1. Read the example titles in the NOC description. Do you think knowing these titles can be useful in your job search? How?
Dental hygienists provide dental hygiene treatment and information related to the prevention of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth.

2. Read the main duties in the NOC description. List the duties you think are most relevant to this position.

Dental hygienists perform some or all of the following duties:

• Conduct an initial dental assessment and consult with dentists on patient care
• Take dental impressions
• Instruct patients regarding oral hygiene procedures
• Clean and stimulate the gums to prevent gum disease
• Remove stains and deposits from teeth to prevent tooth and root decay
• Apply fluoride treatment
• Take and develop X-rays
• May perform restorative and orthodontic procedures under the direction of a dentist
• May supervise dental assistants in their health care functions.

• Dental hygienists are required to complete a college program ranging from one to three years, or other approved program in dental hygiene recognized by the governing board within the province or territory of residence.
• Licensing by the appropriate provincial or territorial regulatory body is required for dental hygienists.

Task 4:

Prepare a short presentation for the class about this occupation. Include related job titles, main duties and employment requirements.

Since I used to work in the hospital, I'd like to work as a dental hygienist in the future. Main duties of the dental hygienist include:

•  evaluate teeth
•  clean and stimulate the gums
•  remove stains and deposits from teeth
•  prevent tooth and root decay and gum disease
•  apply fluoride treatment
•  take and develop x-rays
•  instruct patients regarding oral hygiene procedures

Dental hygienists are required to complete a college program and required the licence by the appropriate provincial or territorial regulatory body.