B.C.’s auto sector needs a global solution to solve tech shortage
British Columbia’s automotive sector is at a turning point. Valued at over $17 billion annually and employing more than 30,000 people, the sector plays a crucial role in our province’s economy.
But beneath the surface, there’s a growing crisis — one that threatens the health of our industry and the satisfaction of customers across B.C.: a severe shortage of certified automotive service technicians (ASTs).
This is no longer a long-term forecast. It’s a present-day emergency.
As vehicles become more sophisticated — incorporating advanced driver-assistance systems, electric drivetrains, and increasingly complex onboard computers — the skills required to service them are evolving just as rapidly.
Simultaneously, a wave of experienced Red Seal technicians is aging out of the workforce. What remains is a widening talent gap that is now straining our dealerships and the customers they serve.
A recent national report by MNP reveals a staggering shortage of more than 6,000 ASTs across Canada.
For every vacancy, a dealership can lose up to $675,000 a year in unrealized parts and labour revenue. That number doesn’t just represent lost income — it also means longer wait times for customers, delayed service appointments, and increased pressure on the technicians who remain.
The NCDA is also embracing a pragmatic and balanced solution: looking abroad for certified, experienced technicians who are ready to work in the province today.
For B.C.’s New Car Dealers, our philosophy is clear: local jobs must come first. We are proud to work in partnership with SkilledTradesBC, WorkBC, and post-secondary institutions across the province to create and strengthen pathways into this vital trade. Through our CarCareerBC Education Grants, we contribute more than $50,000 annually to help support students pursuing automotive training.
These efforts matter — and they’re working. But good intentions and incremental improvements aren’t enough. Not when training a single Red Seal technician takes over 7,200 hours of classroom and on-the-job experience. Not when job vacancies exist today, and customers are already feeling the impact.
That’s why the NCDA is also embracing a pragmatic and balanced solution: looking abroad for certified, experienced technicians who are ready to work in the province today.
Earlier this year, I joined other automotive industry leaders on a mission to Manila in the Philippines. We wanted to see for ourselves how this process of international recruitment can work — and the answer is: with rigour and success. These aren’t casual applicants. They undergo practical, in-person testing by Canadian instructors, thorough background checks, and careful vetting. Only then are they matched with employers in BC.
This isn’t about replacing local talent — it’s about buying time while we build it. It’s a bridge strategy. It’s a lifeline for dealerships that can’t afford to leave bays empty and customers waiting weeks for essential repairs.
There’s particular promise in this approach for smaller and rural communities in BC. These areas often offer a unique mix of opportunity — higher technician wages and more affordable living — but still struggle to attract and retain talent.
We’re not starting from scratch. This model is already working in provinces like Ontario and Alberta. We’ve begun connecting B.C. dealers with trusted recruitment partners, hosted employer information sessions, and are committed to guiding members through the process. Done properly, this approach can be both ethical and effective.
This is not just about filling jobs. It’s about ensuring the long-term health of an industry that supports thousands of families across British Columbia. It’s about keeping our economy moving, our youth engaged in rewarding careers, and our customers safely on the road.
If we fail to act decisively, we risk stalling an industry that is essential to our daily lives. But with thoughtful planning, collaboration, and a willingness to think globally while investing locally, we can meet this moment — and emerge stronger for it.
