You can expect physical work. Some workers may work around harmful chemicals, unpleasant fumes, loud noise, or dangerous, high-speed machinery and you will have to be cautious and use proper safety measures. Some labourers may work more than 40 hours a week. In BC, workers under 25 make up one-quarter of this occupational group and the average age in 1996 was 33 in the Cowichan region. Education and Training Some high school education is required and some employers may require Grade 12.
Related experience is helpful.
Specialized training courses may be required to remain competitive. Trends Increasing mechanization, increased competition, and fluctuating economic conditions have reduced the amount of labour required in these production industries. Multi-skilled workers are becoming very important in a technologically changing workplace, and employers are looking for versatile workers who are able to perform a variety of tasks. However, projections vary from industry to industry. For example, labouring positions in chemical products processing and metal fabrication are expected to grow faster than the overall workforce average.