Job prospects Industrial Mechanic-welder in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), there was a labour shortage for Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean 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 moderate for Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (NOC 72400) in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

• Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
• Several positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

The projects announced by Hydro-Québec to build new hydro-electric power plants and wind turbines, as well as investments in the waste management industry, should create more jobs for workers in this occupation who need to install, diagnose, and repair equipment. 

However, technological advances influence employment. The transition from analog to digital equipment allows for better internal diagnostics and preventative maintenance, which reduces the duration of mechanical failures, as well as the personnel needed to repair them. 

Over the forecast period, uncertainty over the residual effects of the economic slowdown could negatively impact industries in the construction and manufacturing sectors, which employ workers in this occupation. The slow recovery will inevitably have an impact on the demand for this occupational group. 

Here are some key facts about Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics in the Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean region:

• Approximately 1,660 people work in this occupation.
• Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 18%
  • Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 13%
  • Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321): 11%
  • Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 8%
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 8%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology