Job prospects Welder-assembler in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), the labour market was balanced for Welders and related machine operators in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region. The number of job openings was about the same as the number of workers available in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Methodology

The employment outlook will be moderate for Welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region for the 2024-2026 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 a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Employment in this profession is influenced by major projects and investments from various government levels, which stimulate the activity of key industries that employ this workforce. This workforce is also present in different sub sectors of manufacturing. 

Investments in the transportation industry, public transit projects, electricity-related projects, highways and bridges, as well as collective housing projects are expected to promote employment in this profession, as many of these require work with metallic materials. 

Over the forecast period, there will be less flexibility in terms of investments made by governments considering the budgetary constraints. Economic uncertainty could also negatively affect the needs of the manufacturing sector. 

Thus, despite the high demand for housing, growth in construction could be impacted by interest rates that remain high. Combined with a labour shortage, this could hinder new residential construction. 

While the employment outlook is limited for this occupation at the provincial level, it will be moderate in 10 regions. 

Here are some key facts about Welders and related machine operators in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region:

• Approximately 1,430 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 28%
  • Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 23%
  • Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 20%
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 11%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology