Job prospects Coal Conveyor Operator - Surface Mining in the Red Deer Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), the labour market was balanced for Material handlers in the Red Deer Region. The number of job openings was about the same as the number of workers available in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Assessment Methodology

The employment outlook will be good for Material handlers (NOC 75101) in the Red Deer region for the 2023-2025 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 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 Red Deer region:

• Approximately 750 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 26%
  • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 18%
  • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 16%
  • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 9%
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 8%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology