The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada), in partnership with the Government of Ontario and St. Lawrence College, is delighted to announce a new and innovative automotive aftermarket industry training project. 

Made possible through the Ontario Government’s Skills Development Fund, the goal of the program is to address two challenges facing Ontario’s automotive aftermarket industry: a shortage of automotive tradespeople and the need for automotive tradespeople to be upskilled so that they can service electric vehicles (EV). 

Technology is changing the future of automotive repairs, including the type of work that automotive tradespeople do and the skills that they need. As vehicle technology evolves, continued investments into the skilled trades will be critical to meeting necessary upskilling requirements and securing gainful employment in the automotive aftermarket industry. 

Properly trained to service EVs

“It is important that industry, with government support, implement solutions to meet our industry’s labour needs, which includes ensuring that automotive tradespeople are properly trained to service electric vehicles and raising awareness to break the stigma and attract more people to the industry,” said Jean-Francois Champagne, AIA President. “We are thrilled to be working with Minister McNaughton, the Government of Ontario and St. Lawrence College on this initiative.”

The project will consist of the development and delivery of two training programs. The first is an EV upskilling training program open to incumbent workers and apprentices in the automotive trades. The training will bridge the gap between what today’s curriculum offers, and the skills that tradespeople need to service modern vehicles. The second is an 8-week training program that gives job seekers an opportunity to explore a career in the automotive trades.

Ensure workers have the skills

“For the first time in more than a decade, automotive manufacturing jobs are returning to Ontario as we position the province to be a leader in electric vehicles for generations to come,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “That is why we are investing in innovative programs like this with AIA Canada, which will ensure workers have the skills to advance in their careers, earn bigger paycheques, and build better lives for themselves and their families. We will once again make Ontario’s automotive sector one of the most competitive in the world.”

Automotive tradespeople that work in the aftermarket industry provide Ontarians with essential vehicle repair and maintenance services that keep Ontario’s more than 10 million vehicles in road-safe condition. AIA Canada looks forward to continued collaboration with the government and our post-secondary partners to ensure the industry is ready to service the vehicles of tomorrow.