Publication – Technological Transformations and the Automotive Services Industry. Meeting the Skills Challenges for Automotive Service Technicians in Québec

October 2021

Authors: Mathieu Dupuis (professor of labour relations at the Department of Industrial Relations, Université Laval and a researcher in the Interuniversity Research Centre on Globalization and Work – CRIMT), Gregor Murray (Canada Research Chair on Globalization and Work, and Director of the Interuniversity Research Centre on Globalization and Work – CRIMT) and Meiyun Wu (research associate for the Canada Research Chair on Globalization and Work in the Interuniversity Research Centre on Globalization and Work – CRIMT) have drafted a report on technological transformations and skills in the auto services industry.

CRIMT, Diversity Institute, Centre des Compétences futures, 75 p.

This report examines the challenges facing the automotive services industry in Québec as it transitions from selling and servicing traditional combustion-engine vehicles to new generations of motor vehicles. These new models are computerized and connected through sophisticated onboard diagnostic (OBD) systems, integrate advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and are often propelled by hybrid and electric motors.

The automotive services industry provides a good illustration of how technological change is impacting a fairly traditional industry, in which the skill base is not necessarily where it needs to be, and the basic and lifelong training systems are showing several gaps. This study examines auto services in Québec, with a focus on the automotive service technicians (primarily mechanics) who ensure the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles in dealerships, as well as aftermarket services for those vehicles. [Download the report to keep on reading]