As a well-known job platform, Auto-jobs also has recruitment experts who can equip professionals in their career… even before it begins!

Since fall, Auto-jobs.ca automotive recruitment consultant Sophie Corriveau has been visiting vocational training centres in Quebec and Ontario to provide students with valuable advice on employment and career development.

As a former HR manager at a dealership, the talent acquisition expert is very familiar with the labour market reality in the automotive sector.

“I’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve eliminated candidates due to their presentation during interviews. This is one of the pieces of information these young people need to know to avoid missteps,” she says.

The Right Professional Toolbox

During a short presentation (less than an hour) at vocational training centres, Sophie Corriveau shows students how to create their resume, research companies they’re interested in, present themselves during interviews, and register on targeted platforms that can propel their career.

“With LinkedIn, for instance, they have the opportunity to develop their network in the automotive industry, even before obtaining their diploma,” she explains. “And with Auto-jobs, they’re aware of the best opportunities in the market, rather than wasting time on generic job sites.”

Proving how useful this intervention is, students ask Ms. Corriveau many questions. Some want to know how to answer certain tricky interview questions, such as: “Why are you applying here rather than elsewhere?”

Others want to know about career prospects in regional areas, options for advancement and reorientation, and typical compensation packages. “I can even guide those who have a criminal record and aren’t quite sure how to approach future employers,” adds the recruitment specialist.

Confidence in the Future

Whether at the École des métiers de l’équipement motorisé de Montréal (EMEMM), where she presented in January, or at Georgian College in Ontario, where she held an information booth last November during Student Aftermarket Day, Sophie Corriveau meets students everywhere who are passionate about their future profession and eager to start working.

“They know that after completing their training, they’ll have a secure future in the automotive industry, where needs are numerous,” she confirms. “So they’re eager to work and grow. Some of them even already have career plans in mind – it’s wonderful to see!”

Ms. Corriveau will continue to encounter this confidence throughout the year, as she plans to visit several vocational training centres, including those in Greater Montreal, by April. Would your training centre like to host this expert and provide students with free, solid knowledge about employment and recruitment? Simply contact her at scorriveau@auto-jobs.ca.

Although it is a debated subject in our society, the immigration of qualified workers represents one of the major solutions to the labour shortage in the automobile industry. Here, it is the topic of conversation we had with Alana Baker, Vice President, Government Relations and Research at the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada).

What is AIA Canada’s point of view on international recruitment in the aftermarket automotive industry ?

Alana Baker : Canada’s labour shortage, including within the auto care industry, will not only require new and innovative domestic strategies, but also reinforcement from immigration and workers from outside the country. As such, AIA Canada is an active member of the Business Liaison Group, led by the Government of Canada’s Commissioner for Employers, as well as other stakeholder coalition groups advocating for strengthened policies to engage all eligible workers to participate in our industry’s workforce. Diversity in the workplace is an untapped potential that can play a vital role in the industry’s success. To address labour shortages, industry stakeholders support attracting foreign trained workers with automotive backgrounds or training those without.

Continue reading “International recruitment in the automotive sector : the AIA Canada’s actions” →