Labour Force

Labour Force by Occupation

Compared to the rest of BC, Ucluelet has a very high percentage of its resident labour force working in management. There are also higher concentrations of sales and service workers and those working in natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations.

These demonstrate Ucluelet’s history as a logging and fishing hub and the significant role that tourism plays in its economy. It also reflects the large number of self-employed individuals in the community.

An above average number of Ucluelet residents are self-employed. This reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of Ucluelet residents and the lack of large employers outside of the food service, accommodation, and fishing, aquaculture and seafood processing industries.

Education

An above average number of Ucluelet residents have high school diplomas, apprenticeship or trades certficates, and college or university certificates or diplomas. The rate of bachelor’s degrees is slightly lower than the provincial average.

Combining all post-secondary accreditation, 56% of Ucluelet’s working age population (age 15 to 64) has some type of credential, which is just above the 55% rate for all of BC. This mix of skills suggests that the Ucluelet workforce is flexible and has the education required to pivot towards new opportunities.

A below average number of Ucluelet residents have medical degrees or university graduate degrees (higher than bachelor). The limited number of residents with medical degrees is explained by the location of most medical services. The local hospital and dental offices are in Tofino and the closest veterinary clinics are in Port Alberni. Others with advanced degrees are more common in larger centres near universities, major government and corporate offices, and professional services.

Labour Force Participation Rates

Ucluelet’s labour force participation and employment rates are higher than Provincial and Vancouver Island and Coast averages, while its unemployment rate is lower.

This reflects Ucluelet’s youthful adult population that is highly engaged in the labour force (there are relatively fewer retirees in the community compared to the rest of Vancouver Island), as well as strength in the local economy.