Metalworking machine operators
Light metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form sheet or other light metal into parts or products. Heavy metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form steel or other heavy metal into parts or products.
Good
Market Demand
TEER 4
Skill Level
QC, BC, NS
Top Provinces
What They Do
- Read specifications or follow verbal instructions
- Lay out, set up and operate one or more light or heavy metalworking machines such as shears, power presses, saws, plate rolls, drills, brakes, slitters, punch presses, computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment, and other hand tools to cut, bend, roll, ream, punch and drill, weld or otherwise shape and form metal stock into parts or products
- Operate machines or equipment which weld, solder, bolt, screw or rivet metal parts together
- Check products for correct shapes, dimensions and other specifications
- Troubleshoot and perform corrective action or minor repairs
- May select and transport material to work area manually or using crane or hoist
- May document work completed
- May build staging or erect scaffolding as required for heavy metalworking jobs
- May clean or lubricate equipment and replace parts as required.
Qualifications
- checkCompletion of secondary school education may be required.
- checkPrevious experience as a labourer or helper in the same company may be required.
- checkOn-the-job training is usually provided.
Market Outlook by Province
Quebec
The employment outlook will be Good for metalworking and forging machine operators (NOC 94105) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about metalworking and forging machine operators in Quebec: Approximately 5,600 people work in this occupation. Metalworking and forging machine operators mainly work in the following sectors: Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 34%Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 11%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 8%Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 8%Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 8% 66% of metalworking and forging machine operators work all year, while 34% 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 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.Less than 5% of metalworking and forging machine operators are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 89% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 11% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 27% compared to 12% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 19% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 31% compared to 19% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 10% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
Good
Outlook
British Columbia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for metalworking and forging machine operators (NOC 94105) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Some physical duties of this occupation could be performed by automation technologies, which may enable workers to do their jobs more efficiently. The adoption of new technologies such as robotics (including autonomous vehicles, drones, sensors) integrated with digital innovations are expected to bolster industries including construction, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, and trade.Here are some key facts about metalworking and forging machine operators in British Columbia: Approximately 850 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Metalworking and forging machine operators mainly work in the following sectors: Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 35%Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 15%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 14%Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 8%Construction (NAICS 23): 8% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 94% compared to 78% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations72% of metalworking and forging machine operators work all year, while 28% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.Less than 5% of metalworking and forging machine operators are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 23% compared to 8% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 42% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 22% compared to 13% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
Nova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for metalworking and forging machine operators (NOC 94105) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 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 a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about metalworking and forging machine operators in Nova Scotia: Approximately 100 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Metalworking and forging machine operators mainly work in the following sectors: Fabricated metal product manufacturing (NAICS 332): 32%Mineral products manufacturing (NAICS 324, 327, 331): 25%Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 21%Other transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336, except 3366): 12%Miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339): 9% 53% of metalworking and forging machine operators work all year, while 47% 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 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks 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: 16% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 47% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 26% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: n/a university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Moderate
Outlook
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Immigration Pathways
TEER 4 occupations typically require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Not eligible for Express Entry but may qualify through provincial programs.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Atlantic Immigration Program
Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot
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Top Companies Hiring
Organizations with the most NOC 94105 openings right now.
Powell Industries
2 active roles · Acheson, AB
DBG Canada Limited
1 active role · Mississauga, ON
Malach Metal and Machining
1 active role · Oak Bluff, MB
Overlanders Manufacturing L.P.
1 active role · Abbotsford, BC
Spearhead
1 active role · Nelson, BC
Meridian Manufacturing
1 active role · Guelph, ON
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