These are the jobs employers are likely to have difficulties filling. They usually involve a lengthy training period, which prevents rapid adjustment of supply to demand and results in a shortage in extreme situations. Among the occupations competing with trucking for employees and their average salary:

IS/data processing managers $52,600
Construction managers $47,100
Mechanical engineers $43,900
Electrical engineers $46,300
Computer engineers $46,500
Computer programmers $36,700
Industrial engineers $38,200
Electrical technicians $42,400
Electronics service techs $32,900
Industrial instrument
technicians and mechanics $38,200
Veterinarians $47,052
Registered nurses $38,000
Medical radiation techs $38,981
Telemarketers $25,400
Machinists $32,800
Tool and die makers $37,700
Residential construction
electricians $35,000
Industrial electricians $44,900
Plumbers $33,000
Sheet metal workers $32,700
Welders $27,900
Carpenters $25,300
Heavy equipment mechanics $26,500
Motor vehicle mechanics $26,600
Long haul truck drivers $33,600
Farm managers $35,000
Hog technicians $23,000
Sewing machine operators $14,900
Aircraft assemblers and
assembly inspectors $30,800
Machine tool operators $30,000

Source: Optimex Group, a Canadian firm that offers a full range of immigration services on line for the clients in Canada and abroad. www.optimexgroup.com