Job prospects Front End Loader Operator in the Saint John–St. Stephen Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), the labour market was balanced for Heavy equipment operators (except crane) in the Saint John–St. Stephen 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 Heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in the Saint John - St. Stephen 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 several 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.

• This role involves the operation of various heavy machinery, including compaction rollers, dozers, excavators, graders, loaders and tractor loader backhoes. Most of these tasks are carried out in the non-residential construction sector. With investment expected to be steady over the forecast period, opportunities should be moderate.
• Candidates typically require industry courses in heavy equipment operation, in addition to on-the-job training. Internal company certification may be required by some employers. This occupation is provincially regulated and Red Seal certification applies to the operation of certain types of heavy machinery.

Here are some key facts about Heavy equipment operators in the Saint John - St. Stephen region:

• Approximately 540 people work in this occupation.
• Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 65%
  • Paper manufacturing (NAICS 322): 10%
  • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 9%
  • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212-213): 6%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology