Employment Outlook in the Estern Township region for the 2025-2029 period: Vocational Training at the Core of the Most In-Demand Occupations
Updated on octobre 29, 2026
A changing labour Market
The year 2026 is unfolding against a backdrop of an expected economic slowdown in Quebec, which brings many uncertainties. Although the Estern Township region is not shielded from this reality, the regional labour market continues to display great resilience, and employment prospects remain favourable in several sectors.
Although the unemployment rate may increase slightly and the number of job vacancies has declined in recent months, several sectors continue to cope with a significant labour force shortage.
One fact remains: companies in the Estern Township region need skilled workers.
Digital transformation, artificial intelligence, process automation, and an aging population are rapidly transforming the labour market. Meanwhile, the proportion of working-age people is shrinking, which is making recruitment challenges even more critical in many sectors.
In addition, the Exploring Trades and Occupations website was recently updated. This platform provides essential information on employment outlooks and labour market realities for the whole range of professions in Quebec.
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The Estern Township region: A diverse economy
The Estern Township region’s economy features several business lines:
- Industrial metal fabrication and machinery manufacturing;
- Plastics and rubber manufacturing;
- The wood and furniture industry;
- Science, technology and innovation;
- Tourism.
In addition, the Quebec government has identified certain priority sectors, including:
- Health and social services;
- Educational childcare services;
- Construction;
- Engineering.
New strategic sectors, such as the energy industry and the defence sector, will also bear watching in years to come.
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Labour force needs still ever present
The latest analysis of the labour market conducted by the Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity — specifically, the 2026 edition of the Balance of the Labour Market in the Short and Medium Term [État d’équilibre du marché du travail à court et moyen termes – Édition 2026] — reveals that in the Estern Township region, 141 occupations are still considered to experience a labour deficiency or a slight shortage of workers.
While this represents a lower number than the 194 occupations previously identified, the need remains significant in various key sectors.
Most of these occupations requires technical or vocational training.
A statistic speaks for itself: In the Estern Township region, 11 of 14 the priority occupations require a DEP (Diploma of Vocational Studies) or an AEP (Attestation of Vocational Specialisation).
This statistic highlights the significance of vocational training in addressing labour market needs.
Vocational training allows students to:
- quickly develop the skills employers are looking for;
- get access to specialised, well-paying positions;
- enter the labour market in sectors with significant needs.
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The top fourteen priority occupations in the Estern Township region
The Regional Council of Labour Market Partners (CRPMT) has identified fourteen priority occupations in the Estern Township region to better meet current and future labour market needs, to align the business needs, the available labour force, and regional development:
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Vocational training: A choice for the futur
Choosing vocational training means opting for a practical hands-on learning path designed to meet real labour market needs. In a climate where companies are actively seeking a skilled labour force, vocational training programs offer privileged access to rewarding careers and widespread employment opportunities.
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What about you – which career inspires you ?
Ready to learn about the vocational training programs offered in the Estern Township region and explore the many career opportunities available to you?
The VT Effect invites you to explore the vocational training programs available throughout our region: Home page – VT Effect Eastern Townships.
Because in the Estern Township region, careers of tomorrow more than ever call for vocational training.
**Please note that the following programs are not offered by vocational training centres in the Estern Township region:
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians;
- Social and Community Service Workers;
- Live-In Caregivers and Home Support Workers;
- Food Processing Labourers;
- Computer Systems Developers and Programmers.
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Sources:
État d’équilibre du marché du travail à court et moyen termes – Édition 2026