Sector Skills
As Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector continues to evolve, so too will the specific skills required to drive the growth and competitiveness of the sector.
In-demand Skills
The connected and autonomous vehicle (C/AV) industry requires experienced workers with a variety of skills to research, design, test and deliver prototypes and solutions. The Government of Ontario recognizes this need and is providing training and support to develop skillsets required to successfully develop and deploy C/AV-related solutions.
Technical Skills
Within the current Ontario C/AV industry, technical skills such as functional safety, computer science and engineering, software development and implementation, and embedded systems are in high demand. Other specific skill sets such as process improvement/lean manufacturing, and agile product management are also in high demand.
Ontario Top Demanded C/AV-Related Technical Skills (Values in %)
*The figures represent the percentage of identified C/AV related roles that require specified skills (e.g. 38.1% of Ontario C/AV related roles require some level of Functional Safety experience).
**Source: Sky Hive Analysis, August 2020
Non-technical Skills
Top automotive and mobility talent requires both technical skills and complementary soft skills to showcase their holistic skillsets. Employers are now looking for self-motivated, entrepreneurial-spirited individuals with a strong desire to learn and work with others. As such, communication, management, problem solving, and leadership skills are continuously in high demand.
Ontario Top Demanded C/AV-Related Non-Technical Skills (Values in %)
* The figures represent the percentage of identified C/AV related roles that require specified skills (e.g. 57.7% of Ontario C/AV related roles require Communication skills).
**Source: Sky Hive Analysis, August 2020
Emerging Skills
Computer Science
Principal areas of study within computer science include artificial intelligence, computer systems and networks, security, database systems, human computer interaction, vision and graphics, numerical analysis, programming languages, and software engineering.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The foundation of autonomous vehicles and a paramount skill for talent working in this area. AI is commonly used so machines can perform tasks that humans perform.
Machine Learning (ML)
Utilizing streams of data continuously collected from on-board sensors and communication technologies to develop models that perceive vehicle surroundings and make informed driving and control decisions accordingly.
Data Science and Big Data
Analysis and study of data. Data science is a job that performs the analysis of data, while artificial intelligence is a tool for creating better products and imparting them with autonomy. Big Data is a subset of data science which combines large and numerous sets of data to draw insights from data relationships.
Neuroscience and Cognitive Computing
Cognitive computing focuses on mimicking human behavior and reasoning to solve complex problems. Cognitive Computing tries to replicate how humans would solve problems while AI seeks to create new ways to solve problems that can potentially be better than humans.
Deep Learning (DL)
A subset of machine learning based on artificial neural networks. It is currently, and anticipated to continue to be, the most popular Machine Learning (ML) technique for autonomous driving systems.
Spotlight on Skills
Mechatronics
Mechatronics refers to the combination of mechanical engineering, software engineering, and computer science. This combination is applicable to a variety of sector-related tasks such as automation.
According to the University of Waterloo, mechatronics is viewed as “modern mechanical engineering design”. Candidates with a mechatronics background can play cross-functional roles, allowing them to have a broader understanding of integrating solutions holistically, allowing them to lead more diverse teams.
Problem Solving
Problem solving refers to using logic, as well as imagination, to make sense of a situation and come up with an intelligent solution. Problem solvers can also actively anticipate potential future problems and act to prevent them or to mitigate their effects.
Problem solving abilities are connected to a number of other skills, such as analytical skills, innovative and creative thinking, adaptability and flexibility*
* Source: Target Jobs/ Problem Solving: The Mark of an Independent Employee
Navigate your Career Pathway
The Automotive and Mobility Sector has a variety of exciting career pathways to explore.