With back to school right around the corner many British Columbians are preparing their sons and daughters for the inevitable end of summer. Whether you’re going back to school yourself or have someone in your life who is, we can all agree that back to school season means thinking about what the future holds and setting new goals.
We all go to school in the hopes of securing good jobs where employees are given growing wages and opportunities to advance. The automotive industry is a key industry in British Columbia, and one that has been constantly and consistently growing.
The New Car Dealers of BC, for example, employ more than 36,000 British Columbians throughout 55 communities in the province, and more job openings are expected to come up as baby boomers start retiring.
In fact, the average age of automotive mechanics and service technicians in the province today is over 50. It is estimated that 47 per cent of the automotive industry will be retiring in ten years.
Within the next decade, it is estimated that the automotive industry in British Columbia will need 20,000 new hires to keep up with all these demographic changes. That’s a lot of well paying, family supporting positions in what has become a high-tech profession.
Advances in technology are driving the auto industry to new heights. The new electronic components like touch screen dashboards mean that computer programmers now have a place in the auto industry.
One of the most amazing things about working in the auto industry is the sheer number of opportunities available for British Columbians looking to expand their career paths. There will be job openings available across the sector, ranging from positions in trades like windshield repair and service technicians to positions in finance, marketing and sales.
Regardless of whether you’re in business school or studying trades, there are countless high-paying jobs available for people looking to work in an industry where no two days are the same.
And if you’re in high school, now is the time to start thinking about possible career paths. There are a plenty of trades schools in B.C. that offer hands on opportunities like work placements and apprenticeships if you’re interested in the trades.
Back in March of last year, our B.C. Automotive Sector Alliance (BCASA) created a new centralized online job board to connect automotive employers with new potential employees. Job descriptions and education pathways can also be found on the site to inform site visitors of what a job in the auto sector looks like today.
BCASA was also very active in career fairs across the province and at the Vancouver International Auto Show in order to engage young people and raise awareness of careers in the auto world.
Trade shows and career fairs are a great way learn more about the industry and what you need to do to get your foot through the door. Keep your eye out for the B.C. Automotive Sector Alliance during career fairs and trade shows this school year.
For more information about a career in the auto industry and to access the job board, visit http://www.bcautocareers.ca and check us out on social media too at www.facebook.com/bcsautocareers
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
