Job prospects Apprentice Mechanic, Diesel Engines in the Wood Buffalo–Cold Lake Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), there was a labour shortage for Heavy-duty equipment mechanics 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 Assessment Methodology

The employment outlook will be moderate for Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region for the 2023-2025 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 a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Coal production in Alberta has been in decline, largely because of the closures of mines aimed at producing thermal coal for domestic use. The government mandated transition from coal-fired power generation to natural gas-fired and renewable energy sources may limit the job opportunities for this mining related occupation. In addition, the proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project in southwest Alberta, aimed at extracting steelmaking coal is under review by regulatory authorities.

Here are some key facts about Heavy-duty equipment mechanics in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region:

• Approximately 2,050 people work in this occupation.
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 34%
  • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 17%
  • Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 13%
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 11%
  • Finance, insurance and Real estate and rental and leasing (NAICS 52-53): 8%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology