A well-equipped workforce will support the sustainability of the aftermarket.
The vehicles that we drive are changing. In the future, electric, hybrid, connected and autonomous vehicles will be the norm on Canadian roads.
Electric vehicles have different and fewer parts than gasoline-powered vehicles. Hybrid vehicles have two powertrains, high-voltage batteries and complex wiring systems. Autonomous and connected vehicles rely on sensors, radars, computers, LIDAR and cameras to operate.
As vehicles change, so too must the skills of the technicians who service them.
If the industry’s workforce is not properly equipped to service vehicles, business will be lost, and consumers will face limited options in where they can have their vehicle serviced.
Therefore, it is imperative that government, industry, and education work together to ensure the workforce is equipped to service the future fleet of vehicles. Training facilities will require up-to-date curriculum, equipment and tools. Employers will need to provide skills upgrading to their employees.