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). On the home page, click on Occupational Structure (on
the left-hand side of the page).
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.
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?
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?
b) What types of occupations are within
this Major Group (represented by the three-digit code)?
1. Read the example titles in the NOC
description. Do you think knowing these titles can be useful in your job
search? How?
2. Read the main duties in the NOC
description. List the duties you think are most relevant to this position.
B-
Prepare a short presentation for the class about this occupation. Include
related job titles, main duties and employment
requirements.
