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PREP REPORT:

Not A Pretty Picture

A new recruitment tool was introduced at the I-CAR conference during the Canadian Collision Industry Forum's (CCIF) day-long meeting.

At the start of the meeting, delegates were provided with copies of a recent KPMG study, Prep For The Future: Issues & Challenges Facing The Canadian Collision Repair Industry.

One of the most glaring findings in the KPMG report is the lack of new entrants into the bodyshop profession. 65% of industry workers are over the age of 35. 51% of employees plan to leave the industry within the next five years. With an already questionable image, bodyshops are facing the real threat that there will not be enough collision repair technicians in the coming years.

To fight this threat, the CCIF's Attracting & Retaining People Committee debuted a recruitment CD-ROM, developed by the Automotive Industries Association Of Canada (AIA), CCIF and I-CAR, entitled "The Art Of Living: Hi-Tech Careers In Collision Repair" which will be sent to apprenticeship schools across the country this month.

John Norris, co-chair of the Attracting & Retaining Committee, is enthused with the potential for reaching young people across Canada. "We needed to build something that would address our image and retention issues," he says. "I believe we've developed a tool that will compete with other sectors to show that this industry provides young people with opportunity."

Larry Jefferies, chairman of AIA's Paint, Body and Equipment Panel (PBE) is equally encouraged. "It is an exciting presentation that speaks to young people about a vibrant industry where they can apply all their skills and talents and make good money."

About CCIF

For a number of years, there has been recognition of a need to have a national voice for the collision industry in Canada. Several attempts have been made to form some type of national organization which can bring together the major stakeholders in our industry. Up to now, none have succeeded. We strongly believe that we have found the right formula and the right people to initiate "voice" so badly needed for the long term health and prosperity of the collision industry driven by those from within all segments of the industry.

The Beginning

The Automotive Industries Association which represents manufacturers, suppliers, automotive warehouses, wholesalers and PBE jobbers serve the entire automotive aftermarket Within AIA there are numerous councils that serve the various segments. One of the segments is the Auto Body Council. Members of the Auto Body Council represent many manufacturers, distributors and agents who service the collision repair industry. Within the council are various sub committees that are established to focus on current industry opportunities ad challenges. One of the sub committees formed was to focus on the Education and Training issues within the industry. Within the council are various sub committees that are established to focus on current industry opportunities and challenges. One of the sub committees formed was to focus on the Education and Training issues within the industry. In February, 1997 the Education and Training sub committee determined that it should concentrate on the following objectives: Improve the quality of the people coming into the industry. Upgrade the skills of the people who are already in the industry. Train the trainers. The committee decided to start at the Body Shop level, identifying the different requirements as being: Technical and technicians. Entry level and semi-skilled.

Business management skills At a subsequent meeting held in April,1997 a decision was made to focus on Human Resource Workshop. A taskforce was developed to move this project forward. Over the next 12 months the details of the Human Resource Workshop were developed and implemented. Significant support for organization and funding was provided by AIA, CARS Council, and ICAR. On the weekend of Sept. 18-20, 1998 over 60 people from all aspects of the industry came together to focus on how to deal with the current Human Resource challenges facing the collision repair business. Represented in this group were collision repair business owners, regional and provincial association chairs, insurance industry claims representatives, both private and government managed educators, along with AIA member firms.

The workshop provided the catalyst for the formation of the Canadian Collision Industry Forum. A chairman and steering committee was chosen. Collision store owners from across Canada, representation from both private and public insurance sectors, along with educators and the press comprise the steering committee. The chair chosen was Mr. Ken Friesen, Concours Auto Body, Calgary Alberta. The first meeting of the CCIF steering committee was held in Toronto, November. At this meeting two significant tasks were completed. First, the style and format of the CCIF were established. The CCIF would be modeled after the Collision Industry Conference (CIC). Secondly, the foundation for a a sector study by Human Resource Development Canada (HRDC) was established. The steering committee also established the first meeting date which will be held in Edmonton, Alberta on March 27, 1999. Through the strong support the meeting will be held in conjunction with annual ICAR Canada National Collision Repair Conference. In addition to these significant tasks, the steering committee also identified other needs and will report on them at the first meeting. There will be no members of the CCIF, only participants. The meeting is open for all those interested in securing the future of our industry from any and all industry segments.

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