Job prospects Metal Welder in Nova Scotia

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "metal welder" in Nova Scotia or across Canada.

Job opportunities in Nova Scotia

These outlooks were updated on November 29, 2023.

Prospects over the next 3 years

The employment outlook will be good for Welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) in Nova Scotia 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 a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
• Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.

There are a number of job opportunities in this occupation, particularly in the Halifax area and within the ship and boatbuilding industry. Journeymen or Red Seal tradespersons will have an easier time finding work. Fewer opportunities are available for apprentices or those with less experience.

Here are some key facts about Welders and related machine operators in Nova Scotia:

• Approximately 1,850 people work in this occupation.
• Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 21%
  • Repair and maintenance (NAICS 811): 21%
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 20%
  • Ship and Boat Building (NAICS 3366): 15%
• 54% of welders and related machine operators work all year, while 46% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
• 10% of welders and related machine operators are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: more than 95% compared to 51% for all occupations
  • Women: less than 5% compared to 49% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: 7% compared to 10% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 13% compared to 27% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 43% compared to 12% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 36% compared to 22% for all occupations
  • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 20% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

Breakdown by region

Explore job prospects in Nova Scotia by economic region.

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology

Labour market conditions over the next 10 years

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "metal welder" in Nova Scotia or across Canada.

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