BC - Over the next 10 years, BC will experience a shortage of approximately 5,340 heavy equipment operators, which means there will be about 534 openings per year. We are already experiencing severe shortages with grader, excavator, loader, dozer, and heavy articulate rock truck operators. Backhoe operators are currently experiencing a moderate shortage of operators. With the introduction of major mining and pipeline projects all across Canada these numbers are likely to become even greater over the next several years.

Alberta - Industrial and engineering trades are projected to grow dramatically over the next 4 years (e.g. equipment operators growing 45% by 2011). Competition for workers intensifies as the needed growth in the construction labour force (at least 20%) continues.

Job Description (NOC 7421) - Heavy equipment operators operate heavy equipment used in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, airports, gas and oil pipelines, tunnels, buildings and other structures; in surface mining and quarrying activities; and in material handling work.