Toronto, Ontario — The automotive aftermarket appears to be leading the pack among the many other industries seeking out highly in-demand skilled trades workers, as the latest employment report from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. (DAC) shows that employment in the sector is up 4.2 percent since June 2021.
“The aftermarket especially continued to show strength, with employment count increases for both repair facilities and parts stores,” said managing partner of DAC, Andrew King.
Auto dealers and repair facilities now boast total workforces of more than 150,000 and 111,000 employees respectively, according to DAC’s research—figures far surpassing those of other industry sub-sectors.
In fact, the automotive manufacturing industry incurred a 4.2 percent drop in employment from June 2021 to 2022, along with the metalworking machinery manufacturing industry which also decreased by 1.8 percent.
All told, the average employment percentage across all industry sub-sectors increased by 2.5 percent over the year and as such, King is looking at the bright side of the situation, saying “While storm clouds may be gathering on the horizon, the employment situation in automotive is still positive.”
From June 2021 to 2022, the Canadian auto industry’s workforce expanded from 651,100 to 667,5000 employees.
Does this data ring true for your shop’s current labour situation? Is hiring a struggle? Or is there a line of applicants out your door? Sound off in the comments below.
