Vehicle Assemblers serve as the frontline for production and quality assurance in automotive manufacturing.

Assemblers use advanced tools and equipment, interact with robotics, and employ precision measuring devices to assemble motor vehicles, and test parts and components. In a rapidly evolving industry, Assemblers will be working on new technologies such as electric, connected and autonomous vehicles. Assemblers make up more than 25% of the automotive manufacturing workforce. More than 10,500 assembly job openings are expected in the industry over the next decade.

Where do Motor Vehicle Assemblers work?

What do Motor Vehicle Assemblers do?

Vehicle Assemblers are in a transforming industry. The industry’s shifts to electric vehicles, which is accompanied with increased automation, allows Assemblers to interact with cutting-edge technologies such as vehicle batteries, advanced electronic sensors, and collaborative robotics in production. Below are some examples of the tasks performed by Vehicle Assemblers:

• Position and install parts, subassemblies and accessories such as motors, batteries, door panels and instrument panels using power tools and other aids such as collaborative robotics
• Operate automated assembling equipment such as robotics and power tools and equipment
• Test drive vehicles to ensure that motor, axle and brakes function properly
• Conduct inspections on both individual auto parts and fully assembled vehicles to verify that any defects have been identified and resolved

Career pathways & potential earnings of Motor Vehicle Assemblers

Assemblers can progress to other roles and positions with the adequate experience and skills:

Vehicle Assemblers, Inspectors and Testers can also apply their skills and expertise in other
occupations such as the following:

• Mechanical Assemblers and Testers
• Plastic Products Assemblers, Finishers, and Inspectors
• Electrical Appliance, Apparatus and Equipment Assemblers and Inspectors
• Aircraft assemblers and Aircraft Assembly Inspectors

How do I become a Motor Vehicle Assembler, Inspector and Tester?

As an entry level trade, motor vehicle assembly has low barriers to entry. Qualifications for Motor Vehicle Assemblers may vary depending on the province or company, but the most common requirements include:

• Minimum Education: A high school diploma.
• Certification and Licensing: Optional certifications may boost employability including a forklift license and WHMIS certification.
• Training and other requirements: Employers provide on-the-job training to acquire the necessary skills for this occupation.

What are the most important skills to have as an Assembler?

Assemblers acquire important skills through their training, as well as through the experience
accumulated as part of their job in production. As the industry transitions to electric vehicle
manufacturing and incorporates more robotics in production, this occupation’s skill set will evolve.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Hand Tools and Equipment
• Industrial Robotic Operation
• Operations Monitoring
• Quality Control

Soft Skills

• Hand Dexterity
• Hand-Eye Coordination
• Communication
• Teamwork

Future of vehicle assembly jobs in Canada

Motor Vehicle Assemblers, Inspectors and Testers are highly sought after. In 2021, more than 55,000 assemblers were employed across Canada, the majority of which worked in motor vehicle assembly and parts manufacturing. FOCAL projects more than 10,500 assembly job openings between 2021 and 2030. FOCAL also forecasts that during the same period, more than 6,600 workers will be needed to fill recruitment gaps in the sector. As the automotive industry transitions to electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, Motor Vehicle Assemblers will increasingly be expected to work on new and developing technologies in the sector.

Learn more about the job market for motor vehicle assembly, as well as about many other developments and new technologies in Canada’s automotive manufacturing by visiting our website futureautolabourforce.ca. You can also check our social media by following these links: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.