Winnipeg, Manitoba – Rob Boyce, owner of Signature Motors in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is trying to help combat automotive labour shortages in the only way he knows how: showing that the autobody industry is cool by establishing a Collision Olympics.
On October 27, 2023, roughly 170 high school students from around the Winnipeg area will be introduced to the automotive industry through opportunities to try out virtual reality painting and welding simulators.
The event, hosted by the Automotive Trades Association of Manitoba, will offer prizes, such as iPads, for students with the best painting and welding outcomes. An electric racetrack will also be nearby as well as body shop demonstrations.
Speakers will also highlight career opportunities across the industry.
“Our industry is, for lack of a better term, a dying breed,” said Boyce. He’s struggled to find staff in the past. The average shop could use three extra workers, an Automotive Trades Association of Manitoba survey found.
Moreover, the Canadian government—according to its online job bank—predicts that 7,300 auto body technician jobs will open nationally by 2031 with just 6,200 people to fill the roles.
Attracting youth involves breaking down stereotypes, according to Denis Cloutier, executive director of the Automotive Trades Association of Manitoba.
“We need to get the correct information out there about what it’s like to work in a body shop,” he noted. “Any time you see a body shop on television, it’s really not a place you’d want to work.”
The association sent Collision Olympic invitations to Tec Voc, St. James Collegiate and Selkirk and Steinbach high schools.
“We don’t always know what’s out there until someone introduces us to it,” said Len Metro, Tec Voc High School’s heavy trades department head.
He’s bringing a group of students. The pupils learn auto technology skills like brakes and suspension — different from auto body, but related enough that students may take interest in the auto body industry, Metro said.
At least 20 booths will be set up at the event and will be ready to network with students. Red River College Polytechnic will also be among them, promoting their trade programs.
Eighteen shops in the Winnipeg area have signed up as of Monday afternoon.
Applicants can contact the Automotive Trades Association of Manitoba for more information.
