A Recruiter’s Insight – Booming Industries for the Next Decade

By Stuart Gannon

What Industries Are Booming Right Now?

Candidates often ask me, “How’s the market? Who’s hiring?”

My answer? Look at which industries are booming—not just now, but into the next decade. In recruiting, we’re constantly thinking ahead. To borrow a hockey analogy: you want to skate to where the puck is going, not where it’s been.

I always advise candidates to target industries in growth mode. These are the sectors that are actively hiring, investing in talent, and offering meaningful career opportunities. But how do we identify them? The easy answer is to ask recruiters. Over the years, both in corporate environments and as a recruiter, I’ve learned to be curious, and innovative, Over the years, both in corporate environments and as a recruiter, I’ve learned to be intellectually curious, to pay attention to the trends — the big forces reshaping how we live, work, and do business. Ten years ago, while working on a project for PepsiCo, it was trends that included urbanization (the growth of mega-cities), the growth of E-commerce, and Health & Wellness that was influencing their strategic decision making. were influencing their strategic decision-making

Here’s what I see shaping industry today:

1. Geopolitics & Supply Chains Are Being Rewritten

We’re seeing a significant realignment in global trade. Tariffs are back. Free trade agreements are becoming a thing of the past, and Political alliances are shifting. Gobal supply chains, once consolidated and efficient, are fragmenting into more regional and domestic networks. It’s happening faster than many people realize.

This shift brings challenges, yes—but also huge opportunities. Smaller, more agile brokers and consolidators are thriving because they can pivot quickly. I think back to how produce wholesalers stepped up during COVID or how they responded to climate-related crop failures in California and Spain. Remember when Romain lettuce doubled and tripled in price? Local and regional players are stepping into roles once dominated by global giants. In my local market, Paradise Farms has a strong partnership with Calgary COOP, and Whole Leaf has expanded its footprint in Coaldale, bringing local produce to markets traditionally dominated by global supply chains. More generally, interprovincial trade reforms are unlocking new value, and I see strong momentum building behind domestic supply chains and manufacturing.

2. Defense Spending & Strategic Infrastructure

Many democratic nations are significantly increasing their defense spending—not just on military hardware but on infrastructure. As the U.S. retreats from some of its traditional peacekeeping roles, allies are ramping up their own capabilities.

But defense spending today means more than tanks and jets. It includes ports, roads, digital infrastructure, and supply chain security. That’s why I see major growth ahead for advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and engineering sectors. These are long-term, government-backed investments that create stable job opportunities and project pipelines.

If you’re in—or considering—a field tied to secure logistics, infrastructure, or high-tech systems, you’re well-positioned.

3. Climate Adaptation

Regardless of how you view climate change, adaptation is no longer optional—it’s already underway. I’m seeing investments in flood protection, the Springbank off-stream reservoir was commissioned in May, wildfire-resistant communities, coastal defenses, and water management. These aren’t future ideas—they’re projects already being funded and completed. Things like Hardy siding, and tin roofing are being used over vinyl and asphalt shingles.

Agriculture is evolving too. Climate volatility is pushing growers toward controlled-environment agriculture like greenhouses, vertical farms, and drought-resistant systems. These technologies are vital in water-stressed regions and will only become more important. Goodleaf Farms opened the largest indoor facility in Calgary in 2024.

This is a wide-open space for companies (and people) focused on sustainability, construction, engineering, and environmental innovation.

4. An Aging Population

Canada’s population is aging fast. The number of people aged 85+ is expected to triple—from 897,000 in 2023 to between 3.3 and 4.3 million by 2073. But this generation isn’t just growing in size—it’s also wealthy. Baby boomers hold significant assets and are increasingly seeking comfort, convenience, and quality care.

That’s fueling massive growth in healthcare, senior living, accessible housing retrofits, in-home support, and wellness technologies. With seniors projected to make up over 20–32% of Canada’s population by 2073, any business serving this demographic—especially with a premium, personalized approach—will thrive. Construction companies, like Knightsbridge, are investing in age-appropriate facilities and condos, focusing on projects that cater to seniors and modern living standards.

5. AI & the Agile Workforce

AI isn’t some far-off idea anymore. It’s here—and workers are adopting it faster than most companies can keep up. That’s creating a shift in what employers value. The old model of sticking to one career path for decades is gone. Today, the best employees are those who can learn, pivot, and grow quickly.

I’m advising companies to focus on internal mobility and continuous upskilling. The winners in the AI economy will be those that invest in their people and build a culture of adaptability.

AI also brings new infrastructure needs. Its energy demands are significant, and that’s driving huge investments in data centres, power grids, and green computing. If you're in tech, utilities, or sustainability—this is your moment.

So… What Industries Are Set to Boom?

Based on everything I’m seeing, here’s my shortlist of sectors with strong or accelerating momentum:

• Healthcare & Senior Living – Driven by an aging, affluent population.
• Defense & Strategic Infrastructure – Fueled by global realignment and long-term spending.
• Climate Adaptation & Resilience – Encompassing engineering, construction, and environmental services.
• Energy & Utilities – Especially renewables, energy storage, and grid modernization.
• Data Centres & Green IT – Supporting AI’s growth while managing its carbon footprint.
• Domestic Manufacturing & Supply Chains – Gaining strength through reshoring and local production.
• Capital-Light Consultancies – Agile firms offering fractional leadership and niche expertise.
• Building Materials & Skilled Trades – Tied to infrastructure projects and housing upgrades.

Final Thoughts

The common denominator across all these booming industries? Agility.

Whether it's adapting supply chains, building resilience into communities, serving the needs of an aging population, or embracing AI, the path to success is clear: move fast, stay flexible, and look ahead.

In this next decade, it won’t be the most stable or established who win—it will be the most adaptable. And that’s where I’m helping candidates and clients focus.

If you’re ready to pivot, there’s plenty of opportunity ahead.