Job prospects Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welder in the Côte-Nord Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), there was a labour surplus for Welders and related machine operators in the Côte-Nord Region. There were more workers available than job openings in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Methodology

The employment outlook will be limited for Welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) in the Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec regions for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are several 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 Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec regions:

• Approximately 490 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Welders and related machine operators mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 24%
  • Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 21%
  • Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 15%
  • Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 14%
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 9%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology