Job prospects Submerged Arc Welding Machine Operator in the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), there was a labour surplus for Welders and related machine operators in the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region. There were more workers available than job openings in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Assessment Methodology

The employment outlook will be limited for Welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region for the 2023-2025 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

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

In general, the anticipated economic slowdown in the main industries, which employ workers in this occupation, will limit demand.

The rising cost of living will limit sales growth for many companies in the manufacturing sector, which employs many of the workers in this occupation.

Despite the growing need for housing, growth in construction will be rather weak, while rising interest rates will hamper new construction in the residential sector.

Although men have most of the jobs in this occupation, the Commission de la construction du Québec has implemented certain measures to increase the number of women on construction sites.

While the employment outlook for this occupation is moderate at the provincial level, it will be limited or good in six regions.

Here are some key facts about Welders and related machine operators in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region:

• Approximately 670 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 19%
  • Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 17%
  • Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 15%
  • Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 10%
  • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 8%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology