Technical expertise, advanced technologies, safety standards, environmentally responsible practices: here is a set of key skills employers are looking for in skilled automotive workers.
Skilled positions in the automotive repair and maintenance sector are far more numerous than most people think. In fact, they include automotive vehicle assemblers, inspectors, and testers (NOC 9522); automotive assembly supervisors (NOC 9221); and mechanical installers and repairers (NOC 7535), among others.
To determine which skills are in highest demand across this wide range of jobs, AIA Canada conducted a labour market study in 2023 in collaboration with EY analysis. Below is a summary of the findings.
- Certifications
Very few people, if any, enter an automotive position without formal training. One of the basic requirements is to hold one of the following certifications:
- Chassis technician (specialized in suspension, steering, braking, and other mechanical chassis components)
- Certified quality control technician
- Certified auto glass technician
- Certified master auto glass technician
- Certified electric vehicle technician
- Certified safety supervisor
- Machinist certification
- Certified supervisor in maintenance/equipment (CSM/E)
- Master truck equipment technician
- WHMIS certification (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. This certification ensures compliance with safety guidelines when working on gasoline, diesel, or electric engines)
- Tools and technologies
This category naturally includes mastery of power tools and drills, hoists, welding machines, and milling machines, as well as the installation of generators. But several additional skills are increasingly sought after in today’s automated and digital environments, including:
- Printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing systems, which connect essential electronic components used in modern vehicle equipment, including EVs
- SAP (a widely used enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to optimize and automate business processes), or other ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems
- Computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Software for programmable logic controllers (PLC)
- Other key skills
In specialized automotive roles, employers look for more than certifications and technical know-how. A combination of technical abilities and soft skills can truly set candidates apart. Here are a few of the most valued ones:
Quality & safety
Compliance with quality standards (ISO 9000, CGMP) and with health and safety regulations (WHMIS, OH&S) is essential.
Sustainability
Adopting environmentally responsible practices, such as waste management and energy optimization, is becoming critical. For example, Lean manufacturing practices and knowledge of ISO 14000 standards are important assets.
Management
Managing and optimizing operations, time, and teams. Agile leadership is especially valuable as the automotive industry continues to evolve rapidly.
Discover the most in-demand skills among automotive mechanics and technicians, as well as in automotive retail and wholesale trades!