Job prospects Laser Beam Machine-welder Operator in the Wood Buffalo–Cold Lake Region

Over the past few years (2022-2024), there was a labour shortage for Welders and related machine operators in the Wood Buffalo–Cold Lake Region. 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 Very limited for welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
• Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

• Employment prospects for welders are tightening due to slower growth in key sectors, fewer job openings, a steady supply of experienced workers, and project delays in energy and infrastructure.

Here are some key facts about welders and related machine operators in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region:

• Approximately 830 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 26%
  • Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 23%
  • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 20%
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 14%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology