National Occupational Classification (NOC) occupational groups often include several related occupations. For example, the 4212: Community and Social Services Workers occupational group includes a number of occupations, six of which are described in separate Alberta occupational profiles:
The same occupational growth rate is reported in all six profiles because Alberta Modified COPS Outlook data is based on NOC groups at the four digit level.
It is important to consider how demand for other types of work in an occupational group might influence the occupational growth projection reported in an occupational profile. If some occupations are growing significantly faster or slower than other occupations in a group, the rate for the whole group may be affected.
For example, if most people in the occupational group are employed in occupations that are growing at an above average rate, the occupational growth projection for the group as a whole will probably be above average. If some are employed in occupations that are growing at an above average rate but most are employed in occupations growing at an average rate and/or some are employed in occupations growing at a below average rate, the occupational growth projection for the group as a whole will probably be average. Likewise, occupational groups forecasted to grow at a below average rate may include some occupations that are in decline and others that are growing at an average rate.