41321

Career development practitioners and career counsellors (except education)

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Education, law, social & government services

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Definition

Career development practitioners and career counsellors (except education) provide assistance and information to job seeker clients on all aspects of employment search and career planning. They also provide advice and information to employer clients regarding employment issues and human resources. They are employed by public or private employment agencies, rehabilitation centres, hospitals, human resource departments of establishments, consulting firms, correctional facilities and by federal and provincial governments. Supervisors of career development practitioners and career counsellors (except education) are included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Interview clients to obtain employment history, educational background and career goals
Identify barriers to employment and assist clients with such matters as job readiness skills, job search strategies, writing résumés and preparing for job interviews
Assess need for assistance such as rehabilitation, financial aid or further training and refer clients to the appropriate services
Provide established workers with information and strategies for maintaining a job or moving within an organization, dealing with job dissatisfaction, making mid-career changes and adjusting to workplace transitions
Collect labour market information for clients regarding job openings, entry and skill requirements and other occupational information
Advise employers on human resource and other employment-related issues
Provide consulting services to community groups and agencies, businesses, industry and other organizations involved in providing community-based career planning support or resources
May administer and interpret tests designed to determine the interests, aptitudes and abilities of clients.
May provide advocacy and adjudication services related to employment legislation or contractual agreements.
May arrange for, or conduct physical, mental, academic, vocational, and other evaluations to obtain information for assessing clients' needs and to develop employment and rehabilitation plans.
Vocational counsellors provide specialized career development services to individuals with physical illnesses or injuries, mental health illnesses and individuals with disabilities. They require additional knowledge and experience to assess employment capabilities and develop associated employment plans.

Example job titles

•career counsellor (except education)
•career development counsellor
•career development practitioner
•outplacement counsellor
•rehabilitation counsellor
•relocation consultant
•vocational rehabilitation counsellor

Overview

National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 41321 encompasses career development practitioners and career counsellors (except education) who assist individuals with career planning, job search strategies, and employment transitions. Under the NOC 2021 system, this occupation is classified under TEER 1, reflecting professional roles that typically require a university degree. These specialists are employed by community agencies, employment service providers, post-secondary educational institutions, government departments, and private consulting firms.

To qualify under NOC 41321 for Canadian immigration, applicants must demonstrate they have performed the core duties outlined by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Key responsibilities include providing career counselling, administering and interpreting vocational tests, teaching job search skills, and assisting clients in developing action plans. A bachelor's degree in social sciences, education, or a related field is typically required, and some provinces may require voluntary certification with a provincial career development association.

As a TEER 1 occupation, individuals skilled in this field are eligible for Canada's Express Entry system, specifically through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), as well as various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Candidates must ensure their employment reference letters match the official ESDC duties to successfully meet Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) standards.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official guidance, please consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or an authorized legal professional.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.