A new research paper says hiring and training more women can help to address a looming skills shortage Canada’s automotive sector, but acknowledges that enhanced education efforts and targeted recruitment practices may be required to attract candidates.

According to a recent report prepared for the Future of Canadian Automotive Labourforce (FOCAL) Initiative, the automotive industry is facing both an aging workforce and high retirement rates. As such, there is an urgent need to attract young workers into a sector of particular importance to the Canadian economy.

The report cites labour force data that show women, especially younger women, have traditionally represented a small share of automotive manufacturing employment.

Women’s participation in skilled trades employment is a particular challenge. As the report notes, “continuing low uptake by women in the skilled trades education indicates the need for a different education and training approach”.
Read the full report here.