By Blair Qualey
The automotive sector is no different than other highly skilled and tech-based industries that face a wave of retirements in the coming years. And while skills training and recruitment has been a priority for several years, there is a need to step up efforts to address this critical challenge.
Our industry is rapidly evolving and the NCDA has received extensive feedback from members, suggesting we are approaching a tipping point – especially when it comes to certified automotive technicians.
As vehicles become more advanced, technicians require the skills and knowledge to work on these complex systems. This includes understanding electronic control units, advanced diagnostic tools, and the increasing role of software in vehicle operation.
Finding qualified local talent is a top priority for our members, So, a greater focus is required to create a pipeline of skilled professionals because it’s essential to the future success of individual dealers and our industry. This is especially true in communities outside of major centers where there is the opportunity for potential benefits like high wages and more affordable housing.
In British Columbia, the NCDA works with SkilledTradesBC, WorkBC and other labour agencies, to support apprentice and jobs training programs. By increasing funding in post-secondary programs focused on automotive technologies and services, we can ensure a well-trained workforce that is capable of meeting the demands of this evolving industry and contributing to the provincial economy.
As an industry, we are proud to partner with educational institutions across BC, working hand-in-hand to enhance automotive training programs and create opportunities for students to excel. These partnerships are critical for building strong connections between education and industry, ensuring students graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
We support these efforts through the New Car Dealers Foundation, distributing more than $50,000 in grants each year, to students and partner schools through our CarCareerBC Education Grant program – continuing our commitment to supporting education and careers in British Columbia’s automotive sector.
Our approach to recruitment is very much Canada-first. However, the challenge requires that we look beyond our borders – and that’s precisely why I joined representatives from other industry associations in Manila earlier this year, to see first-hand how their skills-training programs are developed, ensuring the qualifications are commensurate with our requirements, and to gain a better understanding of the immigration process.
Through a Canadian organization that specializes in international recruitment, candidates apply in their home country – and their resume is reviewed, background checks take place, and interviews and site practical examinations ensue as part of a very extensive process.
The concept is nothing new. The program was initiated by the Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario and other provincial associations have been offering the program to their respective dealers for some time.
Now, the NCDA is investigating the feasibility of this solution as a means of helping to address the technician shortages faced by our members in BC.
The automotive sector is essential to British Columbia’s economy, contributing almost $17 billion annually in retail spending and 30,000 family supporting jobs. But beyond the numbers, this industry is about people — the individuals who consumers rely on and will help steer our industry into the future.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
