During October and November, over 155 Nova Scotia auto body shop owners, employees, glass companies and independent appraisers gathered in a series of regional meetings to discuss the interest in and need for compulsory certification. This is the biggest issue affecting this sector of the automotive industry in many many years.

Thanks to the support and funding from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and endorsement from the Collision Repair Association of Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Automotive Human Resource Sector Council completed a one-year provincial review to identify the benefits, implications and interest level of changing the designation of the auto body trades from voluntary to compulsory certified.

“This has been a topic of concern for over ten years in our industry. The Collision Repair Association believes that all auto body technicians must either be certified or registered as an apprentice, and is a move in the right direction. The Industry is facing major obstacles in hiring new people and retaining those already employed. As well, limited technical training is also an issue due to constant advancements in vehicle construction. Compulsory certification is just the first step toward our goals,” states Lindsay Gates, Executive Director, Collision Repair Association of Nova Scotia.

The provincial review incorporated an employer and employee survey, six regional focus group meetings, industry interviews, stakeholder meetings, two validation meetings and direct follow-up with non-respondents.

The review also looked at whether or not the Industry wishes to create a new designated sub-trade, namely Automobile Windshield Installer. The survey further identifies whether appraisers should be required to obtain a Certificate of Qualification of motor vehicle repair (metal and paint).

The Automotive Sector Council in consultation with the Industry Advisory Committee and the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Board has mapped a three-phase approach for the initiative.

1. Design and implement a provincial study and prepare a recommendation,
2. Develop a strategy to assist persons affected by a change in designation,
3. Rollout of Compulsory Certification.

Praxis Research, a research and consulting firm, completed its analysis and Final report which was presented to the NS Apprenticeship Board in April 2005.

Industry Advisory Committee