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Specialists in Human Resources
What they do?
Specialists in human resources perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Advise managers and employees on the interpretation of personnel policies, compensation and benefit programs and collective agreements
B. Research employee benefit and health and safety practices and recommend changes or modifications to existing policies.
C. Plan, develop, implement and evaluate personnel and labour relations strategies including policies, programs and procedures to address an organization's human resource requirements
D. Negotiate collective agreements on behalf of employers or workers, mediate labour disputes and grievances and provide advice on employee and labour relations
E. Research and prepare occupational classifications, job descriptions, salary scales and competency appraisal measures and systems
F. Plan and administer staffing, total compensation, training and career development, employee assistance, employment equity and affirmative action programs
G. Manage programs and maintain human resources information and related records systems
Where they find work?
1. Public administration - 26.0%
2. Other services (except public administration) - 14.0%
3. Management scientific and technical consulting services - 7.0%
4. Finance and insurance - 7.0%
5. Health care and social assistance - 6.0%
What education do I need?
1. You must complete either a university degree, or a professional development program or college diploma in personnel administration or a related field (business administration, industrial relations, commerce, psychology) and five years of experience.
2. You may be required to gain experience in a clerical or administrative position related to personnel administration.
3. With experience, you may move up the ranks to become a manager.
4. One of the factors creating additional complexity in the skills required is the growing and changing body of law applied to human resources. You will be required to interpret and apply these laws and to keep pace with changes.
5. Most recent entrants have an undergraduate univeristy degree and almost 2 in 5 have a community college diploma.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Business
2. Computer-related courses
3. English (Communication)
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Specialists in Human Resources is $27.26/HR, which is above average for occupations in the business, finance and administration sector and are close to average for all professional occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
1% of Specialists in Human Resources are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for professionnal occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Specialists in Human Resources is considered Above Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. The retirement rate is above average, and the number of retiring workers contributes to job openings.
3. Hourly wages ($27.26) are above the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
4. The unemployment rate (1%) is below the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Above Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be above average because organizations should increasingly need specialists who can deliver training programs, occupational health/safety initiatives, and creative benefits packages.
2. The retirement rate will likely be above average and the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Specialists in Human Resources are found in Ontario and Quebec while the lowest concentrations are in Saskatchewan and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (37%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Career pathing
2. Writing and presentation skills
3. Computer literacy
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
5% of Specialists in Human Resources are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 61,300 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 88% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The older-than-average age (43) of worker will likely result in an above-average retirement rate to 2009.
