The B.C. automotive sector is gearing up to ensure it has human resource strategies and tools to create sustainability in the sector and help well-trained individuals get the skills they need to find their fit in this growing sector.

Government announced today it has invested just over $100,000 in a labour market partnerships program (LMPP) agreement with the Automobile Retailers Association (ARA) and its automotive industry partners.

This partnership program builds on two earlier LMPPs. The first phase, completed in March 2013, provided a comprehensive evaluation of current and future labour market issues in the B.C. automotive sector. Phase 2, completed at the end of March 2014, focused on developing a human-resource strategy and a career-awareness and marketing strategy for the B.C. automotive sector.

Phase 3, being announced today, will put the earlier work to task. This includes creating a plan for industry to maintain and refresh the work of previous LMPPs. New deliverables include developing a high-school outreach program, putting together a human-resource toolkit, creating succession-planning resources, improving human resource management practice materials, preparing B.C. auto careers marketing materials and adding information to the new website.

The lead organization, Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) is a not-for-profit organization that has represented the B.C. automotive sector since 1951. Partners in the program include the New Car Dealers of BC, Dueck GM, Richport Ford, Reflections Truck Autobody, Benchmark Automotive, Richmond Motorworks, Elite Auto Body, Foreman Auto Service and Precision Auto Service.

The automotive sector employs about 45,000 people throughout the province, with 2,800 active apprentices currently registered in automotive sector-related trades (7% of all apprentices in B.C.’s trades training system). The automotive sector accounts for 1.9% of provincial GDP, and is characterized by increasing complexity, including rapid changes in technology, products and the way repairs and servicing are provided.

Quotes:

Greg Kyllo, Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan -

“The automotive sector plays a major role in keeping our economy diverse, strong, and growing, accounting for almost two per cent of provincial GDP and in 2.3 per cent of jobs in B.C. Since 2011, we have provided funding for 80 Labour Market Partnership projects to develop human resources strategies that will identify the upcoming need for workers and specific training to address skills shortages like the ones identified in the automotive sector.”

Ken McCormack, president and CEO of Automotive Retailers Association -

“The Automotive Retailers Association and our member businesses are dedicated to driving industry excellence. Labour attraction and retention is a significant issue for automotive businesses in B.C. There are so many opportunities today and in the immediate future -- not just in the technical trades, but opportunities include management, administration, sales, customer service, parts recycling, drivers and much more. We are dedicated to ensuring that the environment that our member businesses operate in is profitable and sustainable. ”

Jon Bell and Sherry Baird, owners, Advance Collision -

“We work hard to stay ahead of technical changes and work equally hard to support young people who are interested in auto-sector careers. There are always challenges, so we are thankful for this investment so the auto sector can develop new ways to attract and retain workers. We strive to provide long-term employment in order to create a strong team and a committed work atmosphere. After more than 50 years in business, we know Advance Collision is only as good as the people who work here.”

Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority -

“The automotive industry is a rapidly changing sector, with a strong demand for skilled tradespeople right across B.C. The Labour Market Partnership Program is a great resource to assist apprentices as they navigate the apprenticeship system in the automotive industry and enjoy long-lasting careers.”

Quick Facts:

• In B.C., the automotive sector is primarily a service industry based around the sale, maintenance, repair, towing and recovery, and disposal of motor vehicles.
• Local employment opportunities exist in all regions of the province which means interested individuals may not need to move to find employment or business opportunities.
• Changes in technology ensure the need to provide opportunities for on-going skill upgrading.
• The Labour Market Partnerships Program is a key resource to work with industry, employers, employees and communities in addressing their labour market and human resource needs.
• The Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) transfers funding from Canada to the Province of British Columbia.

Learn More:

Automotive Retailers Association: http://www.ara.bc.ca/

Labour Market Partnerships Program:
www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/sector-partnerships/labour-market-partnerships-program.htm

WorkBC skills training programs:
www.workbc.ca/Education-Training/Programs/Pages/Employment-Programs.aspx

Industry Training Authority: www.itabc.ca

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: www.workbc.ca/skills

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills
Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799

Ken McCormack
President and CEO
Automobile Retailers Association
604 432-7987