School principals plan and direct the activities of teachers and other staff in elementary and secondary schools. Vocational training school administrators plan and direct the activities of schools specializing in trades, business, technology and other vocational subjects. Administrators in elementary and secondary education plan and direct the academic affairs of a school district or system. Managers in social, community and correctional services plan and direct social and community service programs, labour and professional associations, non-governmental organizations promoting social issues, political party offices and the operations of correctional facilities. These managers usually require a bachelor's degree and, in some cases, a graduate degree in their field.
Many recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree.
They usually need several years' experience in a relevant profession, including supervisory experience. Health care managers and administrators usually have the same educational qualifications as the people they manage, such as physicians, dietitians and physiotherapists. Elementary and high school principals and administrators must have a teacher's certificate and several years' experience as senior teachers or department heads. The proportion of women in these occupations has increased significantly over the last ten years. This rate is among the lowest for managerial occupations.