Job prospects Packer - Material Handling in Nova Scotia

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "packer - material handling" in Nova Scotia or across Canada.

Job opportunities in Nova Scotia

These outlooks were updated on November 29, 2023.

Prospects over the next 3 years

The employment outlook will be good for Material handlers (NOC 75101) in Nova Scotia for the 2023-2025 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

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

Demand is strong for material handlers throughout the province, with vacancies arising continuously. Openings occur frequently due to turnover, as the fast pace and physicality in certain workplaces are not suitable for all workers. Applicants may find that training and experience operating a forklift are assets for certain positions. Candidates may be expected to have their own vehicle as shiftwork may occur at night when public transit is not available.

Here are some key facts about Material handlers in Nova Scotia:

• Approximately 4,500 people work in this occupation.
• Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 23%
  • Truck transportation (NAICS 484): 10%
  • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 10%
  • Plastics and rubber products and chemicals manufacturing (NAICS 325-326): 9%
  • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 8%
• The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
  • Full-time workers: 84% compared to 82% for all occupations
  • Part-time workers: 16% compared to 18% for all occupations
• 60% of material handlers work all year, while 40% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
• Less than 5% of material handlers are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.
• The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
  • Men: 89% compared to 51% for all occupations
  • Women: 11% compared to 49% for all occupations
• The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
  • no high school diploma: 21% compared to 10% for all occupations
  • high school diploma or equivalent: 50% compared to 27% for all occupations
  • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations
  • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 22% for all occupations
  • bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 20% for all occupations
  • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

Breakdown by region

Explore job prospects in Nova Scotia by economic region.

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology

Labour market conditions over the next 10 years

Explore current and future job prospects for people working as a "general labourer - material handling" Material handlers (NOC 75101) or across Canada.

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