Press Release For Immediate Release

November 2000

"Prep for the Future" Collision Repair Human Resource Study Releases Report OTTAWA

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA), on behalf of the collision repair industry in Canada, released today a report on the key findings of a Canada wide human resource study of the collision repair industry.

The report, "Prep for the Future" outlines the key findings of a year long study examining key issues and present and future challenges facing the Canadian collision repair industry.

"With the release of this report we have brought this process full circle, and we're bringing this information back to the industry,for their consideration and - ultimately - for their action." stated Beverlie Cook, AIA Vice-President.

The study findings included information on recruitment and retention of employees, training and skill levels as well as insight into the image of the industry. Two of the key study outputs were the development of an industry profile and a demographic analysis of the industry's workforce.

"With this kind of data and information available, the industry can now begin to tackle some of the more pressing issues it is facing. It is clear that there are solid needs in the areas of recruitment and retention as well as the image of the industry." said Beverlie Cook. "We've been very pleased, throughout the work of the study, at the level of commitment that the industry has shown. We've had solid support - from coast to coast - both in terms of the research we did and in the development of the recommendations and the action plans." added Ms. Cook. Beverlie Cook, also stated that: "the industry has aligned itself with the right organizations to take the lead on addressing these issues as well. With the emergence of the Canadain Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) as a key force in the industry, along with our own Paint Body and Equipment Council and the support of the Canadian Automotive Repairs and Services (CARS) Council we believe the industry will be well positioned." This has been an interesting and exciting process to date - and we're very pleased to be reporting back to the industry. We're looking forward to the future, as some of the plans that have been developed begin to gain ground." concluded Beverlie Cook

For further information or additional copies of the report please contact:

Beverlie Cook, Vice President Automotive Industries Association of Canada

1272 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A7
Phone (613) 728-5821 Fax (613) 728-6021

or

Keith Lancastle Project Manager Human Resource

Study of the Collision Repair Industry
c/o Automotive Industries Association of Canada
1272 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A7
Phone - (613) 794-5352 Fax - (613) 599-6499