The Expectations of the New Generation of Automotive Workers

Posted on by Sophie Ginoux

he expectations of the employees in the auto care sector have changed significantly. How should companies meet them to ensure their future? A new episode of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada’s (AIA Canada) Curbside Chat vodcast explores this issue.

Photo provided by the AIA Canada

Each generation brings its share of changes. This is particularly true in the auto care sector, which has undergone profound transformations over the past 20 years, particularly since the pandemic. However, this redefinition of work, but also of recruitment and retention, can take many companies by surprise.

In order to equip them and to help them tackle this major challenge for the years to come, Lorraine Sommerfeld, host of Curbside Chat, AIA Canada’s vodcast, invited Chris Muir, professor at Centennial College, and Marie Artim, vice-president of talent acquisition at Enterprise Mobility, to discuss the expectations of the new generation of automotive service and repair professionals.  Continue reading “The Expectations of the New Generation of Automotive Workers” →

International recruitment in the automotive sector : the AIA Canada’s actions

Posted on by Sophie Ginoux

Although it is a debated subject in our society, the immigration of qualified workers represents one of the major solutions to the labour shortage in the automobile industry. Here, it is the topic of conversation we had with Alana Baker, Vice President, Government Relations and Research at the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada).

What is AIA Canada’s point of view on international recruitment in the aftermarket automotive industry ?

Alana Baker : Canada’s labour shortage, including within the auto care industry, will not only require new and innovative domestic strategies, but also reinforcement from immigration and workers from outside the country. As such, AIA Canada is an active member of the Business Liaison Group, led by the Government of Canada’s Commissioner for Employers, as well as other stakeholder coalition groups advocating for strengthened policies to engage all eligible workers to participate in our industry’s workforce. Diversity in the workplace is an untapped potential that can play a vital role in the industry’s success. To address labour shortages, industry stakeholders support attracting foreign trained workers with automotive backgrounds or training those without.

Continue reading “International recruitment in the automotive sector : the AIA Canada’s actions” →

Innovation in Automotive Training

Posted on by Sophie Ginoux

In a changing automotive industry, several free training programs related to new technologies are offered in four specialized colleges in Ontario. Check them out!

The type of work that automotive tradespeople do is being transformed. The development and expansion of electric vehicle sales have driven a need for new skills and expertise in automotive repair and maintenance. 

Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada has joined forces with Conestoga College, Fanshawe College, St. Lawrence College and Plug N’ Drive to offer FREE training programs to develop new expertise and skills in the auto care industry:

  • The Career Exploration training program consists of a hands-on exploratory experience for automotive industry job seekers to learn to work on a variety of cars with special emphasis on EV and new technologies. Participants may be eligible for supports like work boots, basic tools, safety equipment, reference books, etc. as well as transportation assistance. This program consists of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by College instructors for 2-3 days a week. 
  • The Electric Vehicle (EV) Up-skilling training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to develop maintenance and repair skills relating to EVs. This program consists of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by College instructors for 2-3 days a week. 
  • The Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) training program is an up-skilling course allowing current licensed automotive technicians and senior level apprentices to master their understanding of ADAS as well as develop maintenance and repair skills relating to ADAS. This program consists of in-person theoretical and hands-on training led by College instructors for a total of 16 hours.

Who is eligible for the 3 training programs?

The three training programs are opened to people who are:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Canadian citizens, Permanent residents or awaiting Permanent resident status
  • And residents of Ontario

For the Career Exploration training program especially, unemployed or underemployed persons interested in a career in automotive trades can register. For the other two programs, people must be currently employed in Ontario as a licensed automotive technician or senior level apprentice.

Those interested can complete a small form to submit their interest for the free training programs and to receive more information.