Education/training

Career Academy features exhibits at the AutoShow by Ontario colleges and automotive associations highlighting careers and opportunities in this lucrative sector

Rev up your career

Canada's auto industry is moving at full throttle -- yet its skilled workforce is running out of gas.

LAUREN BRESLIN

[ 2006-02-15 ]

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Nationwide, there aren't enough automotive professionals to meet the demands of the industry, and it's not just a problem of numbers.

As the nation's fleet of vehicles become more technically complex, the nation's labour force lack the skills and knowledge needed to keep up.

To tackle these challenges, the Canadian International AutoShow and the Toronto Auto Dealers Association have come up with a new education initiative called Career Academy. The 2006 AutoShow will feature exhibitors from Ontario colleges and automotive associations in one designated area. Their exhibits will be stocked with information and resources about new career and development opportunities in this lucrative and ever-growing sector.

Centennial, Durham, Georgian, Humber and Fanshawe Colleges, as well as the Collision Industry Action Group and the Society of Automotive Engineers are among the participants.

"Cars are becoming increasingly more complicated," says Peter Woodall, Chair of the Automotive and Motorcycle department at Centennial College's School of Transportation, the largest technology training centre of its kind in Canada. "There's an awful lot of technology to be learned, understood and worked with in day-to-day repairs, and the big challenge is to find the technicians with the necessary diagnostic skills."

At the School of Transportation, students train either through a two-year diploma program, which includes in-class learning and hands-on training, or through apprenticeships, in which students train through paid work placements.

Another option, called a "diploma apprenticeship" program, combines the benefits of both. Students who complete these programs, which Centennial currently offers for automotive, truck/coach and heavy duty equipment technicians, earn both a diploma and apprenticeship accreditation all in one shot.

"We have lots of industry input," Woodall says. "Every one of our programs has an advisory committee and that's made up of people who are in the industry, and who represent their interests."

For students looking to pursue the marketing, management or entrepreneurial side of the industry, the Canadian Automotive Institute at Barrie's Georgian College offers two unique programs: a three-year diploma in business administration and automotive marketing, and a four-year degree in applied business in automotive management.

"There's a shortage of skilled trades people in the industry, but there's also a demand for more entrepreneurs, business managers and marketing managers," says Jennifer Sheremeto, the marketing officer for the Canadian Automotive Institute.

"We have graduates working across the industry: in dealerships at all levels, finance companies, insurance, rentals companies, corporate or manufacturers' head offices, marketing companies, dealer associations, government -- anything to do with the auto industry at the business end," Sheremeto says.

Indeed, from vehicle technician through to design, sales and management roles, job opportunities in the auto industry look strong for talented newcomers.

The goal of Career Academy, then, is to recruit them.

"I think it's very wise for all of us to be in one room as a collective group promoting automotive careers," Sheremeto says. "I think it's a brilliant way to promote a smorgasbord of opportunities -- and I just hope there's enough interest to walk through those doors and go into that room."

Career Academy will run from Feb. 17 to 26 at the Canadian International AutoShow. Visit them in room 701 of the South Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

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