In many industries, a job applicant without a university degree or college diploma won’t clear the initial resume screening, let alone come away with a job offer.
But automobile retailing has long been an exception to educational hurdles. In fact, a retail employee with a high school diploma is likely to earn a six-figure-plus income, according to recent Automotive News Canada findings.
And dealers say the reason — that auto retail is a business about people — won’t change as the industry steers into the electric era.
“It’s not like we’re closing the door on anyone with an education. If you have an education, that’s welcomed, but it’s not something that we look for,” said Laura Zanchin, principal and executive vice-president of Zanchin Automotive Group, which owns 38 new-vehicle dealerships in Ontario.
In the car business, she said, being good with people trumps post-secondary schooling.
“Common sense and a good head on someone’s shoulders is even more important,” Zanchin said.
The same applies at Winnipeg-based Birchwood Automotive Group.
MaryAnn Kempe, chief human resources officer at the 24-dealership group, said that aside from technical roles that require apprenticeships or college, most career paths at the dealership group are accessible right out of high school.
“We say we hire for character and develop competence,” she said.
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