A strategy to address a shortage of skilled labour in the automotive industry across the province was unveiled Saturday.
"Over the next decade, we expect 20,000 new jobs to become available in the automotive industry across British Columbia and it is imperative that we take steps now to attract and train a new workforce," Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) Ken McCormack said.
"The automotive sector is the backbone that supports our provincial economy and other job creating industries, from tourism to forestry, so addressing our labour challenges has broad implications."
The centrepiece is an online job board at www.bcautocareers.ca where more than 150 jobs are currently listed.
The site also provides outlines of career options in auto glass, auto recycling, auto rentals, collision repair, sales, mechanical repair, towing and recovery and power sports and links to where those interested can get training.
Other initiatives in the strategy include an industry employee handbook and a high school outreach program.
In 2013, the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training provided $100,000 to the ARA through its labour market partnerships program to research and assess future labour needs in the sector.
The strategy was unveiled during a media event at a local dealership.
