Job prospects Fabrication Welder in the Wood Buffalo–Cold Lake Region

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as "Welders and related machine operators" in the Wood Buffalo–Cold Lake Region or across Canada.

Current and future job prospects

These outlooks were updated on November 29, 2023.

Recent trends from the past 3 years

Labour shortage

Over the past few years (2021-2023), there was a labour shortage for Welders and related machine operators in the Wood Buffalo–Cold Lake Region. There were more job openings than workers available to fill them in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Assessment Methodology

Job outlook over the next 3 years

Moderate

The employment outlook will be moderate for Welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region for the 2023-2025 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
  • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
  • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about Welders and related machine operators in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region:

  • Approximately 830 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
  • Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 28%
    • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 23%
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 15%
    • Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 9%
    • Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 6%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology

Labour market conditions over the next 10 years

Find out what will be the job prospects for Welders and related machine operators across Canada over the next 10 years, from 2022 to 2031.

Learn more

Labour Market Information Survey
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