By Blair Qualey
Across British Columbia, businesses from all industries and sectors continue to face challenges finding and keeping skilled workers. For those of us in the new car business, this affects everything from sales and service to parts and administration. While our sector is pretty good at adapting quickly to changing scenarios, long-term workforce development remains critical, and that is why the provincial government is asking employers to weigh in on the future of WorkBC.
WorkBC is British Columbia’s primary employment services system. It provides job seekers with access to resources, training programs, and support in securing meaningful employment, while also helping employers connect with aspiring workers. For many, it serves as the first point of contact between job seekers and new opportunities. Now, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is seeking feedback to help shape the next generation of services through a major modernization initiative, and they want our feedback.
This public consultation is part of the Employment Services Modernization project, which aims to make WorkBC more flexible, inclusive, and effective. The proposed redesign introduces a new service model with three tiers of support, tailored to job seekers at different stages of readiness. By matching services to individual needs, the system is expected to become more efficient and outcome driven.
For BC’s new car dealers, this represents an important opportunity to help shape how those services are delivered. As employers, we rely on a steady pipeline of trained, motivated, and qualified workers. Whether we are hiring service technicians, sales professionals, administrators, or apprentices, workforce development remains at the core of our industry’s future success. Ensuring the WorkBC system is equipped to support both job seekers and employers is in everyone’s best interest.
Some job seekers are ready to work and need only an initial connection to the right opportunity. Others face greater barriers, such as language challenges, limited work experience, or health issues, and may require more targeted, long-term support. The new model aims to reflect this diversity by building a more responsive and person-centred approach.
The consultation period is now open and will run until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31. Employers can participate in two ways:
1. An anonymous public survey is available through govTogetherBC. The questionnaire only takes about 10 minutes to complete and covers areas such as hiring needs, experience with employment services, and desired outcomes.
2. Employers are encouraged to register for a virtual information session, where they can hear more about the proposed changes and offer feedback in real time.
For employers that have used WorkBC to post jobs, connect with candidates, or participate in any government employment initiatives, your input is especially valuable. Even if you have not engaged with the system directly, your experience navigating today’s market can help inform what comes next. The Province wants to understand what works, what needs improvement, and how employment services can better support businesses moving forward.
To complete the survey or register for a session, please go here: https://engage.gov.bc.ca/govtogetherbc/?post_type=engagement&p=75921
We strongly encourage all NCDA members to take part. The more voices from our sector that are represented, the better the chance that the final design reflects the realities of our workforce. With everything happening right now in the automotive sector, including the shift to zero-emission vehicles, changing customer preferences, rising costs, and constantly evolving job requirements, this is the perfect time to speak up and make your concerns heard.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
