Labourers in Mineral, Metal, Chemical Products, Utilities, and Textiles Fabrication
(NOC 9611, 9612, 9613, 9616, 9619)
in All NS OccupationsThis group includes many jobs that do not require a high level of formal training. These workers operate and monitor various types of machinery and equipment; load and transport materials; and check, sort, assemble, or package materials and products. They are employed in mineral ore and metal processing plants, uranium processing plants, steel mills, aluminum plants, precious metal refineries, cement processing plants, and clay, glass, and stone plants and foundries. Labourers in metal fabrication are employed in structural steel, boiler and platework fabrication plants, heavy machinery manufacturing plants, sheet metal fabrication shops, shipbuilding, and other metal products manufacturing companies. Labourers in chemical products are employed by petroleum and natural gas processing, pipeline and petrochemical, chemical and pharmaceutical companies, and by electrical, water, and waste treatment utilities and services. Labourers in textile processing are employed by textile manufacturing companies. Other labourers are employed by companies that manufacture products such as clothing, footwear, furniture, and electrical and electronic products, and by printing and packaging companies.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All NS Occupations
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Labourers in Mineral, Metal, Chemical Products, Utilities, and Textiles Fabrication most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically temporary positions (such as a term, contract, or casual work).
The median employment income for 45% of Labourers in Mineral, Metal, Chemical Products, Utilities, and Textiles Fabrication who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $33,477. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.00
Minimum$17.00
Median$27.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$3,437
Minimum$24,112
Median$52,727
MaximumCompared to: All NS Occupations
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$19.89
Median$40.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,872
Minimum$29,983
Median$83,126
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
This group includes many jobs that do not require a high level of formal training. These workers operate and monitor various types of machinery and equipment; load and transport materials; and check, sort, assemble, or package materials and products. They are employed in mineral ore and metal processing plants, uranium processing plants, steel mills, aluminum plants, precious metal refineries, cement processing plants, and clay, glass, and stone plants and foundries.
Labourers in metal fabrication are employed in structural steel, boiler and platework fabrication plants, heavy machinery manufacturing plants, sheet metal fabrication shops, shipbuilding, and other metal products manufacturing companies.
Labourers in chemical products are employed by petroleum and natural gas processing, pipeline and petrochemical, chemical and pharmaceutical companies, and by electrical, water, and waste treatment utilities and services.
Labourers in textile processing are employed by textile manufacturing companies. Other labourers are employed by companies that manufacture products such as clothing, footwear, furniture, and electrical and electronic products, and by printing and packaging companies.
Job duties
The following is a summary of some of the duties performed by labourers in this group:
- Labourers in mineral and metal processing perform material handling, clean-up, packaging and other elemental activities related to mineral ore and metal processing.
- Labourers in metal fabrication remove excess metal and unwanted materials from metal parts, castings and other metal products and perform other labouring activities.
- Labourers in chemical products processing and utilities carry out a variety of material handling, cleaning and routine general labouring activities.
- Labourers in textile processing perform a variety of manual duties to assist in processing fibres into yarn or thread, or to assist in weaving, knitting, bleaching, dyeing or finishing textile fabrics or other textile products.
- Other labourers in processing, manufacturing and utilities includes labourers, not elsewhere classified, who perform material handling, clean-up, packaging and other elemental activities in processing, manufacturing and utilities.
Sample job titles
- foundry worker - primary metal processing
- gas utility labourer
- labourer - metal fabrication
- landfill weigh scale attendant
- loom cleaner
- packer - manufacturing
- scrap yard worker - primary metal processing
- sorter, recyclable materials
- textile product labourer
- welder helper
Skills
To work in these jobs, you should have good physical health. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Some high school education may be required while completion of high school may be required for some positions in this group.
Other considerations
Although work patterns vary according to the employer's business and the type of work done, work in these jobs is generally seasonal. Generally, this work is carried out in shifts at various hours of the day or on a part-time basis. Progression to machine and process operator positions is possible with experience and appropriate qualifications. There is also considerable mobility among jobs in this group.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All NS Occupations
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Southern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Wholesale Trade
Management, Admin & Other Support
Textiles, Furniture and Other Manufacturing
Metal Fabrication and Machinery (excl. electrical)
Rubber, Plastics & Chemical Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
15-24
25-34
35-44
65+
Compared to: All NS Occupations
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$19,371 median annual incomeLess than high school
$27,339 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$24,908 median annual incomeTrades certificate
N/ABachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
High school
$28,358 median annual incomeLess than high school
$21,011 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$36,968 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$37,356 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,852 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.