From dealerships, rental agencies and repair shops (and more), the Canadian automotive industry provides numerous fulfilling and long-lasting career opportunities. In fact, the Canadian automotive industry is the sixth largest on the planet, accounting for 25% of the country’s entire merchandise exports. According to the Automotive Industries Association of Canada, direct employment in the aftermarket (which deals with the manufacture, remanufacture, distribution, wholesaling and retailing of replacement parts, accessories, tools, equipment, accessories, chemicals and services) totaled 410,700 jobs in 2009.
Despite these numbers, you would be perfectly reasonable to assume that the industry’s job prospects have taken a hit in the last few years. The economic downturn in 2008, along with accelerated automation and global warming posed tough challenges and led to a 21% drop in new car sales…which obviously had a trickle down effect in all areas of automotive manufacturing, sales and repairs. » Read more: Job Prospects in Canada’s Automotive Sector Look Bright
