IS THE INDUSTRY RECRUITING IN THE RIGHT WAYS?
BY ALLISON ROGERS
Nearly every time we see a panel or presentation on the labour shortage or attracting youth to the trade, parents seem to be the focus. “We have to reach the parents,” a speaker will say, “We have to convince the parents there’s a future, and a good career, in collision repair.”
I do agree, to an extent. Parents and guardians absolutely hold some influence on what their child’s future career may be. But it’s always confusing to me, sitting among crowds watching these panels, why we don’t focus on reaching the students instead. Few people in the collision repair space talk about connecting with kids directly. And, according to a study from American Student Assistance, (and personal experience as a young person), “gen Z” prioritizes the ability to tap into their passions—and they’re the ones making big decisions relating to their careers. The study also notes how this diverges from trends of generations past.
Perhaps it’s implied that connecting with students is a key part in filling open positions in the autobody industry. Maybe it’s not. Either way, the recruitment methods we’ve been using for the last decade, if not longer, are not working.
Another point that crosses my mind—who are the ones actually connecting with prospective painters, techs, their parents and the like? Have those informants worked in a bodyshop? Do they know what collision repairers do, or what an average day at work looks like? Do they know the true money-making potential behind some of these careers? Do they understand the doors that a job in this industry can open for you? Do they know how to answer someone’s questions about this trade, or do they hand out everyone’s favourite answer: we’ll reach out and get back to you.
Instead of adding tech classes and making use of near-abandoned shop classrooms, we’ve been cutting such courses across the country. At car shows you’ll hear nostalgic enthusiasts look back on the vibrant car culture today seems to lack. All while press releases announce funding in skilled trades. Where does this funding go?
There is much work to be done, but we’re on a path. As I write this, Skills Canada is hosting regional competitions across the country— some provinces touting their best-ever registration numbers. Some strategies seem to be working. Now it’s about keeping the ball rolling and connecting with the young decision-makers of today.
