Introduction
The manufacturing sector has been a cornerstone of Canada’s economy, playing a significant role in the employment landscape across the country.
Factory worker jobs, often seen as essential, not only provide vital products but also offer numerous opportunities for individuals seeking stable employment.
This article aims to delve into the current state of factory worker jobs in Canada, exploring the opportunities available, the challenges faced by workers, and insights into the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in this sector.
Also, in this article, we will dive into the statistics of Africans migrating to Canada each year, using recent data from Staristica Canada.
Statistics of Africans, Nigerians in Canada
According to Statistics Canada, African-born individuals comprised 13.4% of recent immigrants to Canada as of 2016.
This was the second largest number of recent immigrants to the nation after Europe, and a four-fold increase from the number of African-born immigrants in 1971 (3.2%).
As of 2016, the top five countries of birth of recent African-born immigrants to Canada were Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Cameroon.
Among the population in Canada with an immigrant background, persons with ancestry from Africa were the youngest residents as of 2016, with the largest proportion aged between 0-14 years old (~12%).
Many immigrants from French-speaking African countries have settled in Quebec. Of these, most were from Côte d’Ivoire, Congo-Kinshasa and Senegal, as well as Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.
In 2022, Nigeria was Canada’s fourth top immigration source country, welcoming 22,085 Nigerian immigrants, making up 5.05% of Canada’s total number of permanent residents. In addition, there are over 100,000 Canadians of Nigerian descent who call Canada home.
In recent years, African immigrants have represented a growing segment of Canada’s immigration landscape. In the2021 census, it was reported that the African-born population in Canada was around1.9% of the total Canadian population.
Canada’s population surpassed 41 million people in the first quarter of 2024, to reach 41,012,563 on April 1, 2024. This milestone was reached less than one year after Statistics Canada announced that the population hit the 40 million mark, on June 16, 2023.
The population grew by 242,673 people during the first quarter of 2024, which corresponds to a quarterly increase of 0.6%. This growth rate is the same as that seen in the fourth quarter of 2023 (+0.6%), as well as in the first quarter of 2023 (+0.6%).
Following recent trends, almost all the population growth in Canada (99.3%, or 240,955 people) in the first quarter of 2024 was attributable to international migration (including both permanent and temporary immigration).
For permanent immigration, this growth is consistent with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) target for immigrants in 2024. For temporary immigration, most of this growth occurred prior to the announcement that caps would be placed on the number of permits issued to non-permanent residents (NPRs) in 2024.
Without temporary immigration, Canada’s population growth rate during the first quarter of 2024 would have been 0.3%. From 2001 to 2021, the first quarter growth rate in Canada ranged from 0.1% to 0.3%.
Strong growth from permanent immigration continues
In almost every quarter since the third quarter of 2021, Canada has welcomed more than 100,000 immigrants per quarter—including 121,758 people in the first quarter of 2024.
In the first quarter of 2024, the Maritime provinces of Nova Scotia (+3,999), New Brunswick (+3,999) and Prince Edward Island (+1,330) each welcomed their highest number of immigrants in any quarter since comparable data became available in the third quarter of 1971. The increase in permanent immigration to the Maritimes is mainly in response to the growing need for skilled workers.
According to recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, up to 1,905 Nigerians permanently reside in Canada as of April 2024, its highest since March 2023. Nigerians migrating to Canada have steadily climbed in recent years.
According to immigration ca, the African country of Nigeria provided 17,455 new permanent residents to Canada last year, down 21.1 per cent from 22,130 in 2022.
Overview of the Manufacturing Sector (Factory Worker Jobs) in Canada
According to Canada.ca, it states that “Manufacturing is a cornerstone of our modern economy. Accounting for approximately $174 billion of our GDP, manufacturing represents more than 10% of Canada’s total GDP. What is more, manufacturers export more than $354 billion each year, representing 68% of all of Canada’s merchandise exports.
All of this adds up to 1.7 million quality full-time, well-paying jobs—all across the country. And as the sector has modernized, manufacturers have become innovative and high-tech, relying on a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce that includes designers, researchers, programmers, engineers, technicians and tradespeople.
Canada’s manufacturing industry has huge potential for Canada’s economic future. The world is changing, and new technologies are not just opening new markets for Canadian goods, they are changing the ways these goods are produced.
For manufacturing in Canada to remain a vibrant, innovative and competitive contributor to our economy, business and government will need to work together. A vibrant manufacturing community encourages industrial clusters that develop skills, knowledge and technology. Success breeds success: when Canada’s manufacturers grow and compete, they act as magnets for new investment and for new young people wanting to be part of this great industry, making the products of tomorrow.
Current Trends in Factory Worker Jobs in Canada
1. Growing demand for skilled labor: One of the notable trends in Canada’s manufacturing sector is the increasing demand for skilled labor. With technological advancements and automation becoming commonplace, employers are seeking factory workers with specialized skills, particularly in operating machinery, quality control, and safety management.
This shift has led to the emergence of more training programs and apprenticeships aimed at equipping workers with the necessary skills. Employers value workers who are not only adept at manual tasks but also possess problem-solving abilities and can adapt to new technologies.
2. Emphasis on health and safety: Health and safety remain paramount concerns in the manufacturing sector. Regulatory bodies in Canada enforce strict safety guidelines to protect factory workers, citing the high risk associated with machinery and production processes. As a result, companies are investing in training programs focused on workplace safety.
Factory workers are often required to undergo health and safety training, including understanding hazard communication, emergency procedures, and proper equipment use.
3. Increasing wages and benefits: In response to the labor shortage and growing demand for skilled workers, many manufacturing companies are raising wages and improving benefit packages. Competitive pay and additional perks, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay, are becoming standard incentives for attracting and retaining factory workers. This trend is conducive to a more stable workforce and positions manufacturing jobs as an attractive option for many individuals seeking long-term careers.”
Job Opportunities in Canada’s Manufacturing Sector (Factory Worker Jobs)
1. Types of Factory Worker Positions
Factory jobs can vary significantly in terms of responsibilities, work environments, and required skills.
Here are some common positions within the sector:
– Assembly Line Worker: Responsible for assembling products on a production line, often performing repetitive tasks that require focus and dexterity
– Machine Operator: Operates and maintains machinery used in manufacturing processes. This position often requires training in specific machinery and a good understanding of technical specifications.
– Quality Control Inspector: Ensures products meet quality standards through inspections and testing. This role involves attention to detail and knowledge of quality assurance processes.
– Forklift Operator: Operates forklifts to transport materials and products within a factory setting. Certification and training are typically required for this position.
– Packaging and Shipping Clerk: Responsible for packaging finished goods and managing shipping logistics. This role often requires organization and basic computer skills.
– Warehouse Worker: Manages inventory and handles the storage and retrieval of goods within the warehouse.
– Production Supervisor: Oversees and coordinates the activities of factory workers to ensure efficient production processes.
2. Employment Regions: Factory worker jobs are available across Canada, with major manufacturing hubs located in provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta.
– Ontario: Home to the largest manufacturing sector, particularly in the automotive and electronics industries. Cities like Toronto and Windsor boast numerous job opportunities.
– Quebec: Known for aerospace and food processing, cities like Montreal and Quebec City are significant employers in manufacturing.
– British Columbia: Particularly strong in wood products and high-tech manufacturing, with Vancouver playing a central role in job opportunities.
– Alberta: A growing manufacturing sector focused on food processing and resource-based industries, with cities like Calgary and Edmonton offering various opportunities.
Skills and qualifications needed to thrive in factory worker jobs in Canada
Individuals need a combination of both soft and hard skills. Here are some of the essential qualifications and abilities:
1. Technical Skills:
- Machinery operation: Familiarity with operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting various types of machinery is crucial, especially for machine operators.
- Computer Literacy: Basic computer skills are becoming increasingly important, as many manufacturing processes involve computerized systems for monitoring production lines.
- Quality Control Knowledge: Understanding quality assurance processes will benefit quality control inspectors in ensuring that products meet industry standards.
2. Soft Skills:
- Attention to details: Precision is critical in manufacturing, requiring workers to be meticulous in their tasks to avoid errors.
- Teamwork and Communication: Many manufacturing jobs require collaboration in teams, making strong interpersonal and communication.
Qualifications for factory worker jobs in Canada vary depending on the specific industry and role. While some positions may require formal education or specialized training, others prioritize practical experience and a strong work ethic. Demonstrating adaptability, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team are key qualifications sought by Canadian employers.
Benefits for Factory Workers:
According to Abroad Legal, working as a factory worker in Canada comes with several benefits. Many employers offer competitive salaries, health benefits, retirement plans, and opportunities for career advancement.
Additionally, workers may enjoy a safe and inclusive working environment, adhering to Canadian labor standards and regulations.
Average Salary of Factory Workers in Canada
The average salary for factory workers in Canada varies based on factors such as experience, location, and industry. On average, factory workers can expect competitive hourly wages, often complemented by overtime pay and additional benefits. Researching industry-specific salary information can provide a clearer understanding of potential earnings.
The Canadian manufacturing industry, known for its innovation and efficiency, offers a pathway to a stable and rewarding career for those willing to contribute to the country’s industrial growth.
However, according to ca.talent:
- The average factory worker salary in Canada is $34,574 per year or $17.73 per hour.
- Entry-level positions start at $29,250 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $45,318 per year.
According to Canadian Jobs,
- A heavy equipment mechanic earns C$18 – C$36 per hour
- Production operators earns C$15 – C$41 per hour
- Warehouse worked earns C$12 – C$22 per hour
- Warehouse associate earns C$12 – C$21 per hour
- Production workers earns C$12 – C$23 per hour
- Forklift operators earns C$14 – C$24 per hour
- Warehouse supervisor earns C$14 – C$26 per hour
- Cabinet maker earns C$15 – C$26 per hour
- Machinist earns C$16 – C$34 per hour
How to get factory worker jobs in Canada
Finding a factory worker job in Canada can be approached through several steps. Here’s a guide to help you get started:
1. Prepare your resume: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in manufacturing or factory work. Include any specific skills, certifications, or training related to the industry.
2. Online job boards: Use popular job search websites like: Indeed, Monster, Workopolis, and Job Bank Canada.
3. Networking: Connect with people in the industry through platforms like LinkedIn. – Attend job fairs, trade shows, or industry events to meet potential employers.
4. Recruitment agencies: Reach out to recruitment agencies that specialize in industrial or factory placements. They can help match you with available jobs.
5. Company websites: Research specific manufacturing companies in your area and check their career pages for job openings.
6. Local Classified: Browse local classified ads in newspapers or community bulletin boards for job postings.
7. Work permits (if applicable): If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, ensure you have the necessary work permits to work in Canada.
8. Follow up: After applying, follow up with employers to express your interest and reinforce your application
9. Consider location: Larger cities often have more factories and job opportunities, so consider being flexible with your location.
