Job prospects Shield Operator in Saskatchewan

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "shield operator" in Saskatchewan or across Canada.

Job opportunities in Saskatchewan

These outlooks were updated on December 11, 2024.

Prospects over the next 3 years

The employment outlook will be moderate for Heavy equipment operators (NOC 73400) in Saskatchewan for the 2024-2026 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

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

• Demand for heavy equipment operators is driven by activity in industries such as construction and mining. Positive projections for these sectors will support employment opportunities for this occupation.
• Saskatchewan's construction and mining sectors are supported by growing investment in mining, industrial and manufacturing activities including the Jansen potash mine project.
• Large infrastructure investments in healthcare, and public facilities, and improved commercial construction.

Here are some key facts about Heavy equipment operators in Saskatchewan:

• Approximately 3,800 people work in this occupation.
• Heavy equipment operators mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 62%
  • Mining and quarrying (NAICS 212): 8%
  • Local, municipal, regional, aboriginal and other public administration (NAICS 913-919): 6%
• 48% of heavy equipment operators work all year, while 52% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
• 5% of heavy equipment operators are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 95% compared to 53% for all occupations
  • Women: 5% compared to 47% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: 27% compared to 11% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 52% compared to 33% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 15% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
  • bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 18% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

Breakdown by region

Explore job prospects in Saskatchewan by economic region.

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology

Job prospects elsewhere in Canada

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "shield operator" Heavy equipment operators (except crane) (NOC 73400) or across Canada.

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