Ontario is one of the world’s leading places for automotive manufacturing and smart mobility. Our province is home to the world's top global automakers as well as the second-largest IT sector in North America. As we transition to a lower-carbon economy, Ontario is gearing up to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and advanced manufacturing.
This page will help guide you in understanding what skills and jobs will be most in-demand in the sector.
Then jump over to the new Career Pathways Tool to learn about the educational programs and skills training that will put you on your own path to a career in the automotive and mobility sector.
About Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector?
How big is Ontario’s Automotive and Mobility Sector?
13 Segments
These segments, or categories, in the automotive and mobility sector include traditional jobs such as vehicle and parts manufacturing, maintenance and repair. But there are also newer segments that focus on emerging technologies, such as electrification and connected and autonomous vehicles – even electric-powered drones – that will both require new skills and provide new job opportunities.
Over 700,000 Jobs
More than 700,000 people work in the automotive and mobility sector and related industries in Ontario. But there still aren’t enough Ontarians to meet the demand for new workers in the sector. Employers need a wide and diverse range of people and skills, from engineers and software designers to sales and tradespeople. They need workers to manufacture vehicles and assemble parts, as well as managers to oversee shipping, and drivers to transport goods safely. All these jobs are vital to building a thriving automotive and mobility sector.
Sector Jobs by Segment
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Electrification (4.08%)
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Safety Management & Controls (7.34%)
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Connected & Autonomous Vehicles (15.61%)
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Auto & Parts Manufacturing (9.73%)
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Advanced Air Mobility (16.24%)
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Aftermarket, Maintenance & Repair (9.18%)
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Light Weighting (5.59%)
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Freight & Goods Movement (13.20%)
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Propulsion Systems (4.59%)
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Mobility & Planning Infrastructure (12.62%)
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Rail Transport (0.78%)
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Tool, Die & Mold (0.19%)
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Marine Transportation (0.85%)
How diverse is Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector?
Many groups have traditionally been under-represented in the automotive and mobility sector. But today, employers are increasingly committed to strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. In the next decade, the sector will benefit by providing more opportunities for workers from a wide range of backgrounds. Here is a snapshot of how diverse the sector is now.
Visible Minorities
More than 40% of employees in the sector are from visible minority groups* — significantly higher than the 34% representation of visible minorities in all industries across Ontario. However, visible minorities are under-represented in Electrification, Light Weighting, Rail Transportation, Aftermarket, Maintenance and Repair, and Tools, Die and Mold.
How can you prepare for a future in the sector?
Employers in the automotive and mobility sector are always looking for new talent. All sorts of people and skills are required in the sector, from engineers to sales and tradespeople. There is currently greater demand for some types of jobs in certain areas, which presents an opportunity for those interesting in working in the sector.
Have a look at what kind of jobs are employers looking to fill and in which part of the sector.
Electrification, Advanced Air Mobility, Light Weighting, Propulsion Systems, Auto & Parts Manufacturing
Light Weighting, Propulsion Systems, Auto & Parts Manufactuting, Tool, Die & Mold
Electrification, Connected & Autonomous Vehicles, Advanced Air Mobilit, Mobility & Planning Infrastructure
Connected & Autonomous Vehicles, Marine
Aftermarket, Maintenance & Repair
Freight & Goods Movement
Advanced Air Mobility, Light Weighting, Propulsion Systems, Rail, Marine, Safety Management & Control, Freight & Goods Movement
Electrification, Connected & Autonomous Vehicles, Mobility & Planning Infrastructure
Advanced Air Mobility, Tool, Die & Mold
Marine, Freight & Goods Movement
Rail, Freight & Goods Movement
Advanced Air Mobility, Light Weighting, Propulsion Systems, Auto & Parts Manufacturing, Tool, Die & Mold
Electrification, Connected & Autonomous Vehicles, Mobility & Planning Infrastructure!
Electrification, Light Weighting, Auto & Parts Manufacturing, Tool, Die & Mold
Preparing for your future: A closer look at the required skills and opportunities.
Want to know what occupations are expected to be most in demand in coming years? Check out the detailed snapshots of each of the 13 segments to see what job opportunities will be available over the next decade.
Segment: Electrification
Electrification” refers to all the technologies that go into making electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are expected to become more popular over the next decade, which means there will be a big demand for jobs in this sector. There will be a need for workers to design, build and maintain and repair EVs. People will also be needed to build the infrastructure to support EVs, like charging stations.
Education levels
Take a look at the most common levels of education required for a job in the Electrification segment. Where do you fit in?
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College degree (59%)
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High school diploma (30%)
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Undergraduate (10%)
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Post-graduate (1%)
Education levels
Take a look at the most common levels of education required for a job in the Connected & Autonomous Vehicles segment. Where do you fit in?
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College degree (59%)
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High school diploma (14%)
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Undergraduate (25%)
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Post-graduate (2%)
Education levels
Take a look at the most common levels of education required for a job in the Advanced Air Mobility segment. Where do you fit in?
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College degree (10%)
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High school diploma (30%)
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Undergraduate (55%)
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Post-graduate (1%)
Education levels
Take a look at the most common levels of education required for a job in the Light Weighting segment. Where do you fit in?
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College degree (61%)
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High school diploma (30%)
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Undergraduate (8%)
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Post-graduate (1%)
Education levels
Take a look at the most common levels of education required for a job in the Propulsion Systems segment. Where do you fit in?
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College degree (59%)
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High school diploma (23%)
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Undergraduate (16%)
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Post-graduate (2%)
Education levels
Take a look at the most common levels of education required for a job in the Rail Transportation segment. Where do you fit in?
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College degree (61%)
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High school diploma (30%)
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Undergraduate (8%)
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Post-graduate (1%)
Education levels
Take a look at the most common levels of education required for a job in the Marine Transportation segment. Where do you fit in?
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College degree (61%)
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High school diploma (30%)
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Undergraduate (8%)
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Post-graduate (1%)
Education levels
Take a look at the most common levels of education required for a job in the Safety Management & Controls segment. Where do you fit in?
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College degree (58%)
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High school diploma (30%)
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Undergraduate (11%)
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Post-graduate (1%)
Education levels
Take a look at the most common levels of education required for a job in the Safety Management & Controls segment. Where do you fit in?
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College degree (58%)
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High school diploma (36%)
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Undergraduate (5%)
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Post-graduate (1%)
Education levels
Take a look at the most common levels of education required for a job in the Aftermarket, Maintenance & Repair segment. Where do you fit in?
-
College degree (60%)
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High school diploma (14%)
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Undergraduate (25%)
-
Post-graduate (2%)
Education levels
Take a look at the most common levels of education required for a job in the Aftermarket, Maintenance & Repair segment. Where do you fit in?
-
College degree (59%)
-
High school diploma (23%)
-
Undergraduate (16%)
-
Post-graduate (1%)
Education levels
Take a look at the most common levels of education required for a job in the Aftermarket, Maintenance & Repair segment. Where do you fit in?
-
College degree (61%)
-
High school diploma (30%)
-
Undergraduate (8%)
-
Post-graduate (1%)
Education levels
Take a look at the most common levels of education required for a job in the Aftermarket, Maintenance & Repair segment. Where do you fit in?
-
College degree (60%)
-
High school diploma (31%)
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Undergraduate (8%)
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Post-graduate (1%)
Skills
Learning to use certain tools and technology skills can help you find a job in segment.
Top 5 Equipment & Tool Skills in Job Postings
- Power tools
- Forklifts
- Welding equipment
- Conveyors
- Lathes
Top 5 Tech Skills in Job Postings
- SQL
- Cloud computing
- java
- JavaScript
- Paython
Top 5 Equipment & Tool Skills in Job Postings
- Routers
- PCB/PCBA
- Vision systems
- Generators
- Logic controller PLC software
Top 5 Tech Skills in Job Postings
- SQL
- Cloud computing
- java
- JavaScript
- Paython
Top 5 Equipment & Tool Skills in Job Postings
- Forklifts
- Welding equipment
- Lift trucks
- Power tools
- Routers
Top 5 Tech Skills in Job Postings
- SQL
- Cloud computing
- java
- JavaScript
- Paython
Top 5 Equipment & Tool Skills in Job Postings
- Forklifts
- Micrometers
- Calipers
- Power tools
- Lathes
Top 5 Tech Skills in Job Posting
- MS Office
- SAP
- ERD software
- Warehouse Management & Inventory Control
- Adobe Systems & Adobe Creative Suite
Top 5 Equipment & Tool Skills in Job Postings
- Forklifts
- Micrometers
- Calipers
- Power tools
- Welding equipment
Top 5 Tech Skills in Job Postings
- MS Office
- SAP
- ERP software
- Computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Computer-aided engineering software
Top 5 Equipment & Tool Skills in Job Postings
- Forklifts
- Lift trucks
- Pallet jacks
- Track switches
- Computer terminals
Top 5 Tech Skills in Job Postings
- MS Office
- SAP
- ERP software
- IBM AS400
- Kronos
Top 5 Equipment & Tool Skills in Job Postings
- Forklifts
- Lift trucks
- Reach trucks
- Pallet jacks
- Hand trucks
Top 5 Tech Skills in Job Postings
- MS Office
- Computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Autodest Revit
- Bentley Miscosystem
- GIS System
Top 5 Equipment & Tool Skills in Job Postings
- Forklifts
- Lift trucks
- Power tools
- Reach trucks
- Pallet jacks
Top 5 Tech Skills in Job Postings
- MS Office
- Computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Solidworks
- Autodest Revit
- SAP
Top 5 Equipment & Tool Skills in Job Postings
- Forklifts
- Micrometers
- Calipers
- Power tools
- Lathes
Top 5 Tech Skills in Job Postings
- MS Office
- Computer-aided design (CAD) software
- PLC
- Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
- Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
Top 5 Equipment & Tool Skills in Job Postings
- Forklifts
- Cash register
- Diesel engines
- Power tools
- Generators
Top 5 Tech Skills in Job Postings
- MS Office
- Point-of-sale (POS) system
- CRM software
- Salesforce
- Inventory control software
Top 5 Equipment & Tool Skills in Job Postings
- Forklifts
- Lift trucks
- Navigation Equipment
- Hand trucks
- Pallet jacks
Top 5 Tech Skills in Job Postings
- MS Office
- SAP
- GPS systems
- Warehouse management systems
- Inventory control software
Top 5 Equipment & Tool Skills in Job Postings
- Routers
- Generators
- PCB/PCBA
- Skylines
- PLC software
Top 5 Tech Skills in Job Postings
- SQL
- Cloud computing
- Java
- Python
- MS Office
Top 5 Equipment & Tool Skills in Job Postings
- Micrometers
- Calipers
- Lathes
- Welding equipment
- Forklifts
Top 5 Tech Skills in Job Postings
- MS Office
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software
- Computer Numberical Control (CNC ) software
- SAP
- PLC software
In-demand jobs for the future (projected)
If you are interested in a future in electrification, here are the top categories of workers that employers will be looking for in the next 10 years.
Top 5 in-demand jobs
- Electronics fabricators, assemblers, inspectors, testers
- Electrical engineers and technologists
- Power engineers & power systems operators
- Electrical & electronics engineers
- Information systems analyst
Category
- Tradesperson
- Tradesperson
- Tradesperson
- Engineering & Technical
- Digital
Top 5 in-demand jobs
- Information systems analysts
- Computer programmers
- Software engineers & designers
- Computer and information systems managers
- Computer network technicians
Category
- Digital
- Digital
- Engineering & Technical
- Digital
- Digital
Top 5 in-demand jobs
- Information systems analysts
- Computer programmers
- Software engineers & designers
- Computer & information systems managers
- Computer network technicians
Category
- Digital
- Digital
- Engineering & Technical
- Managers & Supervisors
- Digital
Top 5 in-demand jobs
- Plastic processing machine operators
- Graphic designers & illustrators
- Plastic product assemblers, finishers, inspectors
- Machinists, machining & tooling inspectors
- Manufacturing managers
Category
- Manufacturing & Processing
- Design & Technical
- Manufacturing & Processing
- Manufacturing & Processing
- Managers & Supervisors
Top 5 in-demand jobs
- Vehicle assemblers, inspectors, testers
- Material handlers
- Welders & related machine operators
- Manufacturing managers
- Other labourers in processing, manufacturing, utilities
Category
- Tradesperson
- Tradesperson
- Manufacturing
- Managers & Supervisors
- Manufacturing
Top 5 in-demand jobs
- Chef de chemin de fer, opérateurs de freinage
- Ouvriers d'entretien des gares de triage et des voies ferrées
- Ingénieurs de locomotives des chemins de fer et des gares de triage
- Opérateurs de métro et autres transports en commun
- Opérateurs de wagons
Category
- Transportation
- Tradesperson
- Technical
- Transportation
- Technical
Top 5 in-demand jobs
- Material handlers
- Managers in transportation
- Electrical & electronics engineering technologists
- Dispatchers
- Electrical & electronics engineers
Category
- Transportation
- Managers & SupervisorsTradesperson
- Electrical & Technical
- Transportation
- Engineering & Technical
Top 5 in-demand jobs
- Vehicle assemblers, inspectors, testers
- Automotive service technicians, mechanics & repairs
- Material handlers
- Mechanical engineers
- Other automotive installers & servicers
Top 5 in-demand jobs
- Transportation
- Engineering & Technical
- Technical
- Engineering & Technical
- Technical
Top 5 in-demand jobs
- Vehicle assemblers, inspectors, testers
- Vehicle assembly supervisor
- Manufacturing managers
- Other labourers in processing, manufacturing, utilities
- Electronics fabricators, assemblers, inspectors, testers
Category
- Transportation
- Managers & Supervisors
- Managers & Supervisors
- Manufacturing
- Technical
Top 5 in-demand jobs
- Automotive service technicians, mechanics & repairs
- Retail & wholesale trade managers
- Retail salesperson
- Storekeeper & parts person
- Other automotive installers & servicers
Category
- Engineering & Technical
- Retail operations
- Retail operations
- Retail operations
- Tradesperson
Top 5 in-demand jobs
- Transport truck drivers
- Delivery & courier service drivers
- Mail, postal & related workers
- Letter carriers
- Couriers, messengers & door-to-door distributors
Category
- Drivers
- Drivers
- Delivery persons
- Delivery persons
- Delivery persons
Top 5 in-demand jobs
- Bus drivers, subway and other transit operators
- Taxi & limousine drivers
- Civil engineers
- Mechanical engineers
- Electrical and electronics engineers
Category
- Transit
- Transit
- Engineering & Technical
- Engineering & Technical
- Engineering & Technical
Top 5 in-demand jobs
- Foundry workers
- Labourers in mining & metal processing
- Tool & die makers
- Mineral & metal processing supervisor
- Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
Category
- Manufacturing & Processing
- Manufacturing & Processing
- Tradesperson
- Managers & Supervisors
- Tradesperson