Before developing a new program, it’s essential to complete a thorough needs assessment to ensure the program is viable. The following resources will help you locate information to complete the concept paper and feasibility study (non-degree)/stage one template (degrees). The Office of Academic Quality Assurance can also help you with this research.
Market Saturation Scan
Begin by researching other institutional offerings to see how many similar programs are currently offered using the following websites:
- EducationPlanner.ca
- Schoolfinder
- Ministry of Advanced Education (AVED) Institutional Data
Look for the following information:
- Credential type and name
- Program description
- Basic entrance requirements
- Tuition (if posted)
- Program website
Labour Market Outlook
Next research the potential employment outlook of graduates in the program area. Sources for specific industries can include:
- BC’s Economy> including Labour Market Outlook reports and Monthly Snapshots (from Work BC) for the program area, or related NOC (National Occupational Classification) if the program area is too new or too small to have its own NOC.
- Labour Market statistics – BC Stats
- Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) statistics (from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada) for the program area (or related NOC).
- Statistics Canada for national and provincial socio-economic and employment data
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for the program area, or closest Standard Occupational Classification. Note that U.S. data is often much more up to date and detailed than Canadian data.
- Student Outcomes Survey Employment data for any BC public post‐secondary institutions that participate in the survey and have a similar program
- Work BC
Includes occupations outlook, statistics and brief demographics - Working in Canada
Similar to Work BC but gives national picture including province by province profiles - Job postings (WorkBC, Workopolis, BCJobs, LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.)
Business and Industry Profiles
- BC Stats: Business and Industry
- Canadian Industry Statistics
Browse by number of and directory of establishments - Reference Canada
Useful if you want to estimate the number of small-medium size businesses in a particular industry locally, provincially and nationally. Includes sales figures and key personnel. Search by keyword or browse by NAIC codes. - Business Source Complete
Select “Industry Profile” under “Publication Type”; international in coverage
Student Outcomes
- Outcomes of Education
Statistics Canada; covers K-12 and post-secondary
