With a nickname like “Techcouver, ” it’s easy to see why the city is moving up the ranks as a tech hub. Vancouver has held the 12th spot ranked by CBRE for tech talent in North America for two years in a row, demonstrating a 29% gain, and the city has no plans of slowing down. Regularly used platforms such as Slack, a digital communications company, and Trulioo, an electronic identity verification company, started in the city and are now in daily use across the world. Tech sectors that are rising the fastest include ecommerce and logistics, streaming and cloud services, search and social media, devices and communication, data, and cybersecurity. A recent report by CBRE predicts that tech companies facilitating business productivity and supporting critical infrastructure for daily life will continue to thrive. The Nasdaq Index is another good source of looking towards future tech business and job growth and indicates that the upward trend in 2021 will be about 15% higher than in previous years.
Longer established tech sectors continue to increase their scale, especially in AI, software-as-a-service (SaaS), social media, business intelligence, security and FinTech, and across-the-board types of web technologies. With so many powerful areas of technology soaked into every business and governmental agency, it makes sense that there is an incredibly high number of employed tech pros. In Vancouver, more than 75,000 professionals in dedicated tech positions exist, which does not account for those who are freelancing or working as consultants. There are dozens of startups that haven’t been accounted for in that large figure, too, safely saying that the number of tech pros in the region is above 80,000. British Columbia’s tech hub is firmly grounded in Vancouver, with a proven factor in the efforts of increasing overall productivity with 21st-century city advantages. The high number of those employed still doesn’t meet the ongoing demand companies feel they need to find, and Vancouver businesses actively recruit a diverse crowd of all levels of tech pros constantly.
A Startup Visa program, championed federally by passionate Vancouverites, is dedicated solely to attracting the sector's top global entrepreneurial talent, has helped the city become a true magnet for seasoned tech professionals and those just starting out. Anyone with a concept or product finds open doors and multiple opportunities for networking throughout all tech fields. Most of the world’s top tech companies support the efforts made to bring creative talent aboard while they are developing their ideas, offering a two-way advantage: the businesses have out-of-the-box performers, and tech pros are exposed to advanced business training and maneuvers. Some of the tech giants with anchor locations in Vancouver include Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Cisco Systems, Samsung, SAP, Intel, Salesforce, and Eventbrite. Companies that actively shout an extreme call for new candidates are Absolute Software, ACL Service, TELUS, Hootsuite, Dwave, 1Qbit, and Slack.
The Vancouver Economic Commission lists one example of the area’s diverse options in technologically reliant fields, digital entertainment, and interactive tech (DE&I). The buzz Vancouver creates excitement among those in the field, and across all tech areas needed to support the complex sector, about the city’s ecosystem. Vancouver has historically been a pioneering hub of technological innovation in harnessing digital potential, attracting a strong artistic workforce that blends with the need for engineering prowess to back up efforts. Thriving research and educational support, government incentives, and an open-door policy to reach out to decision-makers help make the grade for those in DE&I. Digital entertainment & interactivity is what describes a collective area of impact for users of screen-based sectors, including Visual Effects, animation, film and TV production, video game development, VR and other interactive media, and further tech areas that rely on similar infrastructure. Roles in DE&I in Vancouver account for more than 1,000 businesses that generate 40,000 jobs in the city, contributing to billions in direct GDP to the economy. Contributing to the strength of this sector are the Vancouver Film Commission, a cluster of video game publishers including Electronic Arts, Capcom, and Nintendo.
Careers in technology are so available that the biggest complaint companies have is that they can’t hire fast enough. With close proximity to Los Angeles and Silicon Valley, long-standing, stable, and generous tax incentives, and a community that provides utmost support to recruiting and retaining tech talent, “Techcouver” is precisely where a tech professional needs to be. Growth in Vancouver’s tech corridor is soaring, matching the city’s long-standing reputation as one of Canada’s largest industrial centers as advancements in both areas move forward. In 2020 the Vancouver Economic Commission reported that there are 91,200 professionals working in technology in the city, marking an 8% increase in growth year-over-year. Statistics such as these show how desirable the region is for new technologists and those who are eager to move up the ladder.
Technology giants such as Microsoft are major drivers in Vancouver's upward movement. The company invests heavily to further develop the city’s innovation culture, creating a world-class digital cluster where new ideas collide with existing technology. Similar corporate and governmental collaborations like Microsoft’s efforts result in a breakthrough in knocking down traditional borders for pioneers in many fields, including health care, AI, business intelligence, software as a service (SaaS), digital marketing, FinTech, ecommerce, cybersecurity, and web technologies; in other words, every area a tech pro wants to be.
Vancouver has a high number of tech clusters. Special expertise can be seen in areas such as game development, cleantech, and telecommunications—in short, anything that can improve the daily functions of businesses and individuals. Daily living for residents and those living far away are impacted by the advancements being made in Vancouver. Tech companies in the city are full of professionals with a wide variety of roles, all working to create concepts and products that make a difference. From communication to entertainment and workplace tools, the city’s most innovative and creative tech talent is working on ways to help make banking easier, turn wastewater into fertilizers, and make cars that run on hydrogen.
The tech professionals, job candidates, businesses, and governmental entities all meet through organizations such as the Cascadia Innovation Corridor’s efforts and annual conference. The Cascadia Innovation Corridor is where ideas are given ample opportunity to come to life and is a part of a city-wide emphasis on diversity and inclusivity. The CIC focuses on research, economic development, and transportation, enhancing connectivity, productivity, health outcomes, and exploring new avenues of technology that much of the world has not yet explored. The efforts of the organization also stress the geographical advantages of Vancouver’s proximity to major United States and other global markets, with a multitude of fast transportation offerings to bring people physically to the table.
The rate at which local businesses are expanding creates a huge demand for tech sector talent, a boon that is reflected in their salaries. Average earnings are about 25% higher than those in other Canadian regions as Vancouver competes for a worldwide shortage of skilled technical professionals. Most technology companies are concentrated in the Mainland and Southwest region of the province, with more than 50% of business done in the Greater Vancouver area. Vancouver is home to the head offices of the largest tech companies in British Columbia, including Telus, Maxar Technologies, and Sierra Wireless. Beyond those illustrious names are behemoths such as Amazon, Sony, and Microsoft, all of which tout numerous opportunities for employees to upskill and join the ranks of some of the most prominent companies in the world. Other primary areas where tech talent can find exciting work are in the world of digital entertainment, within areas such as film, gaming, and online betting. The Vancouver Film Commission is one of the most helpful resources for jobs in that sector. The largest cluster of VFX and animation studios in the world includes Sony Pictures Imageworks, ILM, MPC, Double Negative, DHX Media, and Animal Logic.
There are far more reasons for people to live or move to Vancouver than the plethora of job opportunities. The view of vast miles of shoreline offers amazing views of beaches, and just a turn of the head reveals mountains with ample opportunities for hiking and snow sports. Its scenic location near the ocean and tucked up against the North Shore mountains also benefits from its proximity to the border of the United States. Seaplanes gracefully glide in and out over the harbor, whisking people to distant locations or bringing in yet more diversity to Vancouver. The downtown core of the city is located on a peninsula, and since the only way to build is up, Vancouver presents a distinctly urban feel within a small space, allowing residents a way to enjoy big-city living yet quickly escape into nature.
Vancouver's welcoming and laid-back vibe fools many who don’t realize the gigantic scope of offerings the city boasts. As home to the 4th largest cruise ship terminal, visitors can enjoy the best of all worlds since 40% of Vancouver’s total population consists of immigrants building successful lives. Vancouver’s Stanley Park is 10% larger than Central Park in New York City, and British Columbia hosts the first covered stadium in Canada, something that makes sports and concert fans rejoice.
Deciding where to live in Vancouver can take a while, with so many tempting options, extremely diverse neighborhoods, and welcoming nature for all lifestyles. Renting is one of the most popular first steps, which also remains the way residents prefer to continue to find housing with the rental market plentiful. Locals suggest walking around downtown or neighborhoods that sound attractive since the most popular places aren’t advertised in media but rather have “for rent” signs posted. By taking a stroll, it is much easier to get a sense of where one might find home. Salaries for tech pros make a living either in the city or lush suburban areas affordable, too. Examples include Data Analysts, who make approximately $78,000 per year; Software Engineers, who generally see $93,000; and Digital Designers, who can expect an average of $99,000 annually.
In Vancouver, tech pros will find some of the highest salaries across all tech sectors, making acquiring the skills it takes to enter a career in tech a wise investment. There are an amazing amount of technology classes and bootcamps available in Vancouver. More than 40 of the best course offerings from local schools provide in-person, live online, and on-demand course options. For all tech students, schools cover a vast array of subjects in technology, including Design, Digital Marketing, Data-related training, Coding, Business, Web Development, and IT. Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, offers superb live online for all subjects in technology.
Vancouver has a few schools that offer bootcamps and classes in Graphic Design. In-person options are provided by Lighthouse Labs, The Training Company, and BrainStation. With instructors who are experts in the field, students receive the attention they need for success. Types of programs that can be found include bootcamps/immersives, certificates, and classes, ranging from six hours to twelve weeks in length. Topics across the graphic design spectrum are Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Visual Design, and UX Design.
There are a few schools that offer Data Science bootcamps and classes inVancouver. Highly-ranked schools that provide face-to-face instruction include BrainStation and Lighthouse Labs. Each school offers small class sizes that guide the student to success. Courses range from three hours to 72 weeks, including bootcamps, which dive deeply into hands-on instruction in this fast-growing field. Subjects within the realm of Data Science include Python, SQL, Machine Learning, and R.
For Web Development classes and bootcamps, Vancouver residents will find plenty of options offered by Lighthouse Labs and additional schools that offer live online training such as Noble Desktop. All schools offer small class sizes, and students receive the attention they need for success. There are additional live online courses that students can take from wherever they choose and still have their questions answered promptly.
There are numerous course options presented by highly-ranked schools to choose from for coding classes and bootcamps in Vancouver. In-person instruction is available from Lighthouse Labs and BrainStation. Since classes and bootcamps are held in-person, students receive the attention they need for success. All courses take students through the learning process step-by-step and provide object-based experiential learning experiences. Students can find coding-related options in Web Development, Data Science, Computer Science, iOS Development, Front-end Development, Back-end Development, Python, JavaScript, Java, SQL, HTML & CSS, and PHP & MySQL. Offerings range from comprehensive and immersive bootcamps to extensive information certificates and classes. Most courses are also available live and online and offer a variety of times and lengths. For more extensive programs, financial assistance is often available.
Those looking for Web Design bootcamps and classes in Vancouver can choose from many courses provided by highly-rated Lighthouse Labs. Additionally, courses can be taken live and online from schools such as Noble Desktop. Since classes and bootcamps are held in real-time, students receive the attention they need for success. Topics within web design include Front-end Web Development, Visual Design, UX Design, WordPress, HTML & CSS, JavaScript & jQuery, Sketch, and Adobe XD. Courses include bootcamps and hands-on classes, ranging from three hours to twelve weeks, and are offered in-person, live online, and via on-demand sessions.
Attending a Digital Marketing class or bootcamp in Vancouver is a wise investment to get ahead of the competition in the booming digital world. Students can choose from many courses provided by the highly-ranked school, BrainStation. Since courses and bootcamps have small class sizes, students receive individualized attention that enhances their chances of success. Sample courses students can choose from include Google Analytics, Google Ads, SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, and ecommerce.
Vancouver is an excellent place to learn Python skills in a bootcamp or class. Students can take courses from BrainStation, a top-ranked school of technology. Python is essential for most careers in technology, and certain professions require knowledge in specific syntaxes of the language. Instruction in Python for all levels and career-related topics can be found throughout the schools listed and offered live online, as well as on-demand by Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool.
Vancouver residents can choose from Video Editing classes and bootcamps in the city at The Training Company. Additionally, there are other schools offering courses live and online. Since classes are in real-time, students get the attention they deserve. Video editing classes are fast-paced, hands-on learning experiences that range from two to ten days. Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, also offers many courses in video editing that are held live and online. General areas of study in video editing include motion graphics, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Final Cut Pro.
UX Design bootcamps and classes in Vancouver are offered via live online courses, including superb virtual real-time offerings from Noble Desktop. Since classes are held in real-time, students are able to get the attention they seek promptly. All schools offer comprehensive overviews of the user experience (UX) and place particular emphasis on Sketch and Adobe XD. Throughout the courses, students practice UI foundations, including design iteration and development and best practices when working with a product development team.
Students have a choice of many unique in-person Excel classes and bootcamps in Vancouver, with options available from The Training Company, a highly-ranked school of technology. With small student-to-instructor ratios, students receive the attention they need for success. Further options for Excel and other business-related skills are offered live and online by Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool. The need for Excel skills stretches into most professional career areas, so essential general and specific classes in the software are available face-to-face, live and online, or on-demand.
For companies located in Vancouver, it’s essential to keep a team up-to-date with the latest developments in technology. Noble Desktop’s location in Midtown Manhattan provides the ideal backdrop for employees to upskill or gain new abilities in technology. Additionally, Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, provides onsite corporate training in technology. An expert Noble Desktop instructor will arrange a session in a vast array of technical subjects and can provide training at your location. Additionally, a live session can be arranged via a video conferencing platform such as Zoom.
If it is easier for individual employees to attend a class on their own schedule, vouchers can be obtained for them to attend an open enrollment session. There is a discount on the purchase of multiple vouchers. Contact Noble Desktop to arrange a tailored training session for your workplace and employees.