THUNDER BAY, Ontario — The Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada has developed an online labor market intelligence service for the automotive aftermarket in Canada, dubbed AutoConnex.
Funded in part by a federal Sectoral Initiatives Program, the AutoConnex website provides a detailed picture of the automotive aftermarket industry, including access to salary information for various industry occupations, comparative regional job forecasts, job profiles and educational resources, the AIA said at a presentation hosted recently by Fountain Tire at its Thunder Bay outlet.
The AIA said website can be a tool to create a bridge between and among employers, the estimated 400,000 workers in the industry, post-secondary institutions, students and job seekers.
Those looking for a career in the aftermarket have the ability to view profiles of industry professionals, information that can give workers a clearer picture of career choices based on pay, required education and more.
"AIA Canada is grateful for the funding provided by Employment and Social Development Canada to implement this game-changing tool for the aftermarket industry," AIA Canada President Jean-François Champagne said.
"AutoConnex is not just a website. It's a movement to change the image of the industry. We look forward to diversifying the industry and attracting individuals from all backgrounds to consider a rewarding career in the aftermarket.
"As an industry association, we regularly receive requests for information on the labor market from governments, industries and the media. Today, we celebrate the launch of a tool that will play a major role in bridging the current labor gap."
AIA Canada is the national trade association that brings together the entire automotive aftermarket supply and service chain. The aftermarket industry comprises companies that manufacture, distribute and install automotive replacement parts, accessories, tools, and equipment that a vehicle needs after it is assembled by the original manufacturers.
"We're very excited about the ability of AutoConnex to help fill in labor market information gaps for the automotive aftermarket industry. Having this information will help Canadian workers and job seekers find a career path that works for them, while also helping employers identify, diversify and grow their workforce," Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, said.
"Working with industries to gain more labor-market information helps workers, employers and educators make better decisions informed by good quality data."