Job prospects Forklift Truck Operator in the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), the labour market was balanced for Material handlers in the Bas-Saint-Laurent 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 Methodology

The employment outlook will be moderate for Material handlers (NOC 75101) in the Bas-Saint-Laurent 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.

Employment in this occupation is evolving with trends that influence manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, and trade.

The outlook will be positive in most manufacturing sectors, including food and beverage manufacturing where a significant portion of material handlers are employed.

These workers are expected to benefit from the expansion of warehousing services (planning, logistics, transportation, labelling, inventory and stock management), the e-commerce craze, as well as the advent of new e-sales warehouses, allowing for direct delivery of products purchased online.

However, inflation and rising interest rates, causing a loss of household purchasing power, could lead to a decrease in consumption, which would decrease demand for this workforce.

While the employment outlook for this occupation will be moderate at the provincial level, it will be limited in the Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine region.

Here are some key facts about Material handlers in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region:

• Approximately 760 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321): 26%
  • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 18%
  • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 11%
  • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 7%
  • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (NAICS 21): 5%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology