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BC – The B.C. Automotive Sector Alliance (BCASA) has announced the completion of a comprehensive labour strategy to address a critical shortage of skilled labour in the automotive industry across British Columbia.
“Over the next decade, we expect 20,000 new jobs to become available in the automotive industry across British Columbia and it is imperative that we take steps now to attract and train a new workforce,” says Ken McCormack, Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) President & CEO. “The automotive sector is the backbone that supports our provincial economy and other job creating industries, from tourism to forestry, so addressing our labour challenges has broad implications.”
In 2013, the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training announced a $100,000 investment into the Labour Market Partnerships (LMP) Program, and the ARA to undertake market research to assess the future labour needs in the sector. As a result of the study, BCASA identified a series of initiatives, all of which have now been completed. These include:
- A comprehensive human resource strategy;
- An extensive industry employee handbook;
- A high school outreach program;
- The creation of a centralized online job board
“With an unprecedented number of available job positions in the coming years, we want young people to know about the exciting careers in our industry and the resources available to them,” says Blair Qualey, President & CEO of the New Car Dealers Association (NCDA) of BC. “That is why we are in Kamloops, participating in TeenFest and promoting our new web site that connects jobs to people in the North and across British Columbia. BC’s Auto Sector has become a more sophisticated, high-tech industry with exciting, well-paying careers. Job seekers at any stage of their career should visit the website.”
With more than 150 automotive jobs across the province currently listed, the website will continue to expand and serve as a one-stop automotive career and retention resource for employers and potential employees.
“We recognize the automotive industry is an important contributor to B.C.’s diverse, strong and growing economy,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone. “The work government is doing as part of B.C. Skills for Jobs Blueprint and alongside the B.C. Automotive Sector Alliance is expected to help encourage young people to consider the variety of careers in B.C.’s growing auto industry. In keeping with B.C. on the Move, our 10-year transportation plan, we are committed to continued investment in transportation, which in turn helps create jobs and strengthen communities across the province.”