Job prospects Packer - Material Handling in the Wood Buffalo–Cold Lake Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), there was a labour shortage for Material handlers 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 Material handlers (NOC 75101) 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.
• A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
• There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

E-commerce, or online shopping, has gained a growing percentage of total retail sales across Canada in recent years. In response, retailers have built large fulfillment centres near urban areas to bring down delivery costs and times, leading to a high demand for this occupation. It is unlikely that the trend will reverse in the near term.

Here are some key facts about Material handlers in the Wood Buffalo - Cold Lake region:

• Approximately 600 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 25%
  • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 24%
  • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 19%
  • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 11%
  • Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 5%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology