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.

• 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

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.

• Some secondary school education may be required while completion of secondary school may be required for some positions in this group.

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.

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 earnings data are from the Labour Force Survey by Statistics Canada. Data are not available for all occupations. Hourly earnings are calculated based on usual hours worked per week. This is how an annual salary, for instance, gets converted to an hourly rate. The data include full and part-time workers along with new and experienced workers. Self-employed workers are excluded.

Annual employment income data reported in the Work Prospects section, are from the 2011 National Household Survey by Statistics Canada. Much of the data (around 70%) came directly from tax records. The data relates to the year 2010 and includes total wages and salaries and net income from self-employment.

Sources