The global technician shortage: What Canada’s automotive aftermarket can learn from other markets
The technician shortage is one of the most pressing challenges facing Canada’s automotive aftermarket. Shops across the country are competing for skilled talent while adapting to increasingly complex vehicle technologies, from advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to electric vehicles (EVs) and software-defined vehicles.
However, Canada is not facing this challenge alone. Automotive markets around the world are grappling with the same workforce pressures: an aging labour force, fewer young people entering the trades, and rapidly evolving technology that requires continuous learning.
The good news is that many countries are already testing solutions. By looking beyond our borders, Canada’s automotive aftermarket can identify practical strategies to help strengthen its own workforce for the future.
A global challenge with local impacts
According to Employment and Social Development Canada’s Canadian Occupational Projections System, automotive service technicians are expected to face a moderate national labour shortage between 2024 and 2033. Approximately 29% of Canada’s automotive service technician workforce is already aged 50 or older, meaning retirements will continue to place pressure on an already constrained talent pipeline.
At the same time, today’s technicians must develop new skills beyond traditional mechanical repair. Modern vehicles increasingly rely on software, sensors, electronics and high-voltage systems, making continuous training essential throughout a technician’s career.
This combination of demographic change and technological advancement is not unique to Canada. It is a global workforce challenge that demands long-term solutions.
Australia: Investing in apprenticeships
Australia has strengthened apprenticeship pathways by providing government support and incentives for both employers and apprentices in skilled trades. The approach recognizes that developing future technicians requires collaboration between industry, educators and government.
For Canada, the takeaway is clear: investing in apprenticeships and strengthening industry-education partnerships will be essential to building the next generation of technicians.
Germany: Building talent through partnerships
Germany’s dual vocational education system combines classroom instruction with paid, hands-on training, allowing students to graduate with practical workplace experience. Employers play an active role in developing future talent rather than simply recruiting experienced technicians.
Canada can continue to build on this model by deepening collaboration among employers, educators and training providers.
United Kingdom: Investing in today’s workforce
The United Kingdom continues to face technician shortages, with around 16,000 automotive vacancies and growing demand for EV and diagnostic skills. In response, the industry has prioritized continuous training to help existing technicians keep pace with evolving vehicle technology.
The lesson for Canada is that retaining and upskilling experienced technicians is just as important as attracting new ones.
Looking ahead
There is no single solution to the global technician shortage. However, the experiences of Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom reinforce a common theme: successful workforce strategies combine early career awareness, strong apprenticeship pathways, employer engagement and continuous professional development.
Canada’s automotive aftermarket has already made significant investments in training, education and workforce initiatives. Continuing to build on those efforts—and learning from successful approaches in other markets—will help ensure the industry has the skilled professionals needed to safely repair the increasingly complex vehicles of today and tomorrow.
With Team Canada Strong announced during the 2026 Spring Economic Update, incentives are on the way, and AIA Canada is working towards ensuring automotive service technicians get an equitable share of the supports.