What do you know about the size and scope of Canada’s automotive sector? And why does that matter when you’re thinking about your career?

If you’re looking to understand where your options are, Canada’s automotive manufacturing sector has plenty. 

Defining the Broader Automotive Sector examines Canada’s automotive sector to get a better handle on its wide range of jobs and its economic impact. The report’s expanded definition indicates that there are actually close to 180,000 automotive manufacturing related jobs across Canada – a workforce that’s over 40% larger than traditional estimates.  And the sector invested well over $330 million in research and development in 2018. 

The report provides an up-to-date picture that includes the auto related jobs in a wider range of operations and companies. In addition to occupations in the major auto assembly plants and in the factories making auto parts, there are tens of thousands of auto related jobs in materials suppliers, tooling and production technology companies, alternative propulsion companies, and connected and autonomous vehicle technology suppliers.

As employers and other stakeholders in every industry in Canada work through the current challenges related to COVID-19, it’s important for all job seekers to understand the dynamism, size, and diversity of Canada’s automotive manufacturing sector.  And for those graduating from applied technology and engineering fields, the industry’s increasingly technological focus provides exciting occupations and long-term career options. 

The Takeaway: The automotive sector is bigger and more diverse than you might think and that means more opportunities.