Three Hot Careers In Manufacturing
Manufacturing is the backbone of the Canadian economy. When the manufacturing sector does well, other industries inevitably follow. After lagging in 2016, the manufacturing industry is rebounding and prospects for 2017 are healthy.
The skills that employers in the manufacturing sector are looking for are as varied as the industry itself. Though there is a steady demand for industrial labourers and assemblers, we’re seeing a growing need for skilled trade workers. Labour shortages in this sector have led to a wealth of exciting (and well-paying) opportunities for trade workers to choose from. Welders, mechanics and machinists are in particularly high demand.
As baby boomers head for retirement, they’re leaving in their wake a skilled labour void. Younger generations have been slow to hop on the skilled trade bandwagon, demonstrating a preference for university education over vocational training. If you’re looking for opportunities to build a long lasting hands-on career with strong prospects ahead, then learning a skilled trade is a great choice.
Listed below are some of the hands-on jobs that help create the products we use on a daily basis...
ASSEMBLER
Salary Range: $18,400-$48,110
Suggested Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Employer-sponsored technical instruction and training
Job Requirements
- Uses tools, machines and their hands to make engines, computers, aircraft, ships, boats, toys, electronic devices, control panels and more
- Assembles both the finished products and the pieces that go into them
- Works closely with designers and engineers in product development
Anticipated Job Growth: 4 percent (2012-2022)
MACHINIST
Salary Range: $11.70-$27.75 per hour
Suggested Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Two-year training programs at community college and technical schools that include instruction on design, blueprint reading and how to use the tools and software needed by machinists
- Apprenticeships that allow you to learn the trade and work toward certification
Job Requirements
- Uses computers and machines to produce precision metal parts, instruments and tools based on blueprint designs
- Measures, examines and tests completed products for defects
- Presents finished workpieces to customers and makes modifications if necessary
Anticipated Job Growth: 7 percent (2012-2022)
QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTOR
Salary Range: $29,157-$52,202
Suggested Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Coursework in industrial trades
- Lab work that enhances analytical skills
- On-the-job training
Job Requirements
- Examines products and materials for defects or deviations from specifics
- Reviews blueprints and specifications, monitors operations and recommends adjustments to the assembly or production process
- Checks products to locate imperfections and verifies that parts fit, move correctly and are properly lubricated
Anticipated Job Growth: 6 percent (2012-2022)
To find a complete list of our openings: Visit our Job Board or Contact Us and our recruiters will be happy to help.
