Job prospects Laser Beam Machine-welder Operator near Charlottetown (PE)

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

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Methodology

The employment outlook will be good for Welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) in Prince Edward Island for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

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

The demand for workers in this occupation is expected to remain positive over the forecast period. The level of construction and industrial activity has been strong in the province and finding qualified workers to meet demand has been a struggle for some employers.

These tradespersons mainly work in manufacturing for metal, transportation and machinery producers. Welders in this industry produce goods that are used as inputs for various types of industrial activities, including construction. As such, job prospects in this trade are expected to benefit from the favourable level of construction activity. The demand for workers in this occupation is expected to remain positive due to strong gains in non-residential investment over the forecast horizon.

Here are some key facts about Welders and related machine operators in Prince Edward Island:

• Approximately 600 people work in this occupation.
• Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 41%
  • Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 25%
  • Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 16%
  • Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 8%
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 7%
• 66% of welders and related machine operators work all year, while 34% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
• 11% of welders and related machine operators are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 94% compared to 51% for all occupations
  • Women: 6% compared to 49% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: 6% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 21% compared to 28% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 39% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 25% for all occupations
  • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology