Auto retailers put more money into scholarships

The B.C. Automotive Retailers Foundation has doubled the amount of money to be given out to students who register for automotive programs.

The number of available monetary awards has been increased to 10 from the seven given out last year and the total value the awards has gone from $7,000 to $20,000.

B.C.’s aftermarket automotive industry is predicting a critical labour shortage with nearly one third of the workforce leaving in the next four years.

With 55 as the average age of those working in the field, the 1,000-member Automotive Retailers Association of B.C. believes nearly half of the workforce will be gone in the coming decade.

A 2017 labour market study says demographic trends, higher wages from competing industries, advancements in automotive technology and increasing business complexity are creating challenges for employers attempting to recruit qualified staff.

The report estimates labour demand in the automotive industry will increase by almost five per cent with the need for 2,234 new positions in the next four years. Most of the demand will be for skilled trades.

The report concludes there is a growing need to attract, recruit and retain new workers. This will mean looking outside the automotive industry to attract potential candidates.

As a response to declining numbers of people entering the trades, four years ago the Automotive Retailers Foundation began awarding $1,000 scholarships and bursaries to people interested in automotive careers.

This year, there will be 10 recipients. The value of seven scholarships given out for achievement and bursaries to respond to financial need has been doubled to $2,000 each.

As well, there are two $500 bursaries and one bursary for $5,000 intended to provide educational assistance over a number of years.

Priority in awarding bursaries is given to those who demonstrate the greatest financial need.

“Even with the shortage of skilled labour in our industry, it has become difficult to give away money,” says Foundation vice-chair Ken McCormack. He says applications have been slow to come in and the deadline is fast approaching.

Online: ara.bc.ca/foundation