Job prospects Shear Operator - Metal Fabrication in the Lower Mainland–Southwest Region

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as "Metalworking and forging machine operators" in the Lower Mainland–Southwest Region or across Canada.

Current and future job prospects

These outlooks were updated on November 29th, 2023. Learn more about outlooks.

Recent trends from the past 3 years

Major labour shortage

Over the past few years (2021-2023), there was a major labour shortage for Metalworking and forging machine operators in the Lower Mainland–Southwest Region. There were far 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

Good

The employment outlook will be good for Metalworking and forging machine operators (NOC 94105) in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region for the 2023-2025 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

  • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
  • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
  • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Here are some key facts about Metalworking and forging machine operators in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region:

  • Approximately 570 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
  • Metalworking and forging machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
    • Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 32%
    • Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 14%
    • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 12%
    • Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 11%
    • Construction (NAICS 23): 10%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology

Labour market conditions over the next 10 years

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

Learn more

Labour Market Information Survey
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