Job prospects Power Shovel Mechanic in the Lethbridge–Medicine Hat Region

Over the past few years (2021-2023), there was a labour shortage for Heavy-duty equipment mechanics in the Lethbridge–Medicine Hat 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 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) in the Lethbridge - Medicine Hat region 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 small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Coal production in Alberta has been in decline, largely because of the closures of mines aimed at producing thermal coal for domestic use. The government mandated transition from coal-fired power generation to natural gas-fired and renewable energy sources may limit the job opportunities for this mining related occupation. In addition, the proposed Grassy Mountain Coal Project in southwest Alberta, aimed at extracting steelmaking coal is under review by regulatory authorities.

Here are some key facts about Heavy-duty equipment mechanics in the Lethbridge - Medicine Hat region:

• Approximately 960 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Heavy-duty equipment mechanics mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 30%
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 17%
  • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 15%
  • Agriculture (NAICS ultur): 8%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology