Job prospects Forklift Truck Operator in the Red Deer Region

Over the past few years (2022-2024), the labour market was balanced for Material handlers in the Red Deer Region. The number of job openings was about the same as the number of workers available in this occupation.

Source Labour Market Information | Recent Trends Methodology

The employment outlook will be Moderate for material handlers (NOC 75101) in the Red Deer region 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 several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

• Fulfillment centres and warehouses near urban areas have brought down delivery costs and times, leading to a demand for workers in this occupation. It is unlikely that the trend will reverse in the near term.
• A growing number of distribution centres across the province should improve economic activity, thereby raising the demand for material handling services across supply chains.

Here are some key facts about material handlers in the Red Deer region:

• Approximately 750 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
• Material handlers mainly work in the following sectors:
  • Transportation and warehousing (NAICS 48-49): 25%
  • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 21%
  • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 20%
  • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 11%
  • Construction (NAICS 23): 6%

Source Labour Market Information | Prospects Methodology