Across British Columbia, exciting opportunities are opening up for young people to build rewarding careers in the automotive sector. From hands-on apprenticeships to financial grants that ease the cost of training, the industry is working together to ensure the next generation has the skills and support to thrive.
This is more than just career development — it’s an investment in people, communities, and the future of a sector that contributes more than $17 billion annually to BC’s economy and employs over 30,000 British Columbians. By encouraging youth to pursue careers in the automotive industry — whether in service, sales, parts, management, or specialized trades — we’re creating meaningful, well-paid job opportunities and strengthening the backbone of our province’s transportation network.
One of the most pressing needs is for automotive service technicians (ASTs). Across the province, dealerships are feeling the impact of a technician shortage that is no longer a distant concern but a present-day challenge. Rather than view this as a crisis, BC’s New Car Dealers are responding with action and optimism: forging partnerships, supporting students, and championing skilled trades as meaningful and sustainable career choices.
That’s why the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC, in partnership with SkilledTradesBC, WorkBC, and post-secondary institutions, is investing directly in the next generation of automotive professionals through targeted grants, scholarships, and school partnerships. And none of this would be possible without the incredible support of the public. Every raffle ticket purchased, every donation made, and every contribution to Foundation events plays a vital role in creating these opportunities for students.
The CarCareerBC Grant Program supports students pursuing a wide range of careers in the automotive field, from business and marketing to technical trades. This year alone, more than $40,000 in grants were awarded to students employed at new car dealerships across BC, helping them cover tuition costs and ease financial barriers as they begin their careers.
Within that broad spectrum, attracting and supporting automotive service technicians remains a top priority. To help, our tool supplier partner Snap-On is providing $500 per student for tool grants starting this fall — ensuring those entering the trade have the equipment they need from day one.
The Foundation has also awarded $35,000+ to partner schools including BCIT, Coast Mountain College, College of New Caledonia, Georgian Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC), Okanagan College, Vancouver Island University, and Vancouver Community College. Expansion is underway, with Thompson Rivers University and Northern Lights College set to join the growing network of partners supporting young people across BC.
Through our collective investment in young people, we are giving them the skills, tools, and confidence they need, while ensuring BC’s automotive industry remains strong, innovative, and ready for the future.
The next 50/50 raffle kicks off in Spring 2026, and the next CarCareerBC grant intake opens in Summer 2026. Students interested in applying can also connect with their school’s financial aid department for guidance. These programs simply wouldn’t exist without the generosity and support of British Columbians. Thank you for helping us open doors for the next generation of automotive professionals.
To donate or find out more about the New Car Dealers Foundation, check out our website. New Car Dealers Foundation of BC
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC.
You can email him at [email protected].
