New report highlights workforce shortages affecting equipment dealers across Canada
Canada's agriculture and construction equipment industry is facing a growing shortage of skilled technicians, according to a new report released by industry organizations the Canada Equipment Dealers Association (CEDF)and the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation (AEDF). The findings highlight major workforce challenges that could affect equipment dealers, customers, and the future growth of the industry.
The report estimates that Canada will need approximately 26,500 equipment technicians over the next 10 years. As demand for modern farm and construction equipment continues to rise, dealers are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit enough qualified workers. The shortage is limiting their ability to serve customers efficiently and support business expansion.
Many equipment dealers say the lack of technicians is already having a significant impact on their operations. Nearly eight out of ten dealers reported that they are unable to keep up with customer demand because they do not have enough skilled workers. More than half also stated that the shortage is preventing their businesses from growing as quickly as they would like.
“The only problem we have is schools letting us in there to talk about our industry,” said Brian Osterndorff, CEO of Roberts Equipment. “Our advancements in technology are far more than the automotive industry. We’ve had self-driving before cars had it. That word is not getting out.”
The study found that dealers face an annual shortage of more than 1,200 technicians. This workforce gap is estimated to cost the industry hundreds of millions of dollars each year through lost repair services and reduced parts sales. As equipment becomes more advanced, finding qualified technicians capable of maintaining and repairing modern machines has become increasingly important.
Industry leaders believe one of the biggest reasons behind the shortage is a lack of awareness about careers in the equipment sector. Many students and young people are unfamiliar with the opportunities available in agricultural and construction equipment industries. Dealers say this lack of knowledge makes it difficult to attract new workers into the profession.
Another challenge identified in the report is the education system. Many dealers believe students are not being adequately introduced to skilled trades careers outside traditional college and university pathways. Industry representatives say greater exposure to technical careers in schools could encourage more young people to consider becoming equipment technicians.
Modern farm equipment relies heavily on advanced technology, including precision agriculture systems, automation, GPS guidance, sensors, and data management tools. Industry experts note that equipment technicians today often work with sophisticated technology that requires specialized training and technical knowledge. Despite these advancements, many students are not aware of how technologically advanced equipment careers have become.
To address the shortage, industry organizations are increasing efforts to promote career opportunities and workforce development. Through educational programs, grants, career fairs, and workforce events, these groups are helping students learn about available career paths. By connecting young people directly with industry professionals, organizations hope to inspire interest in technical careers and strengthen the future workforce.
The report emphasizes that workforce development will remain a key priority for equipment dealers, manufacturers, educators, and industry organizations. Leaders believe the technician shortage can be reduced through greater collaboration among schools, employers, and training institutions. By working together, they aim to create stronger pathways that help students transition into rewarding technical careers.
Several practical solutions were identified in the research. Dealers ranked expanded work-based learning programs among the most effective ways to build the future workforce. Apprenticeships, internships, and hands-on training opportunities can help students gain valuable experience while preparing for careers in the equipment industry.
“The CEDF sees this report as confirmation that the industry needs to strengthen the critical pipeline from schools to dealers. The report provides a clear vision of how to move forward, not as individual organizations, but as an industry united in this effort throughout North America,” said John Schmeiser, Executive Director of CEDF.
Participants in the study also highlighted the importance of government support. Increased subsidies, grants, and tax incentives for companies that train technicians could help employers invest more resources in workforce development. Such programs may encourage additional businesses to hire and train future technicians.
Dealers are also taking steps to improve recruitment and retention. Many businesses plan to increase technician wages in an effort to attract skilled workers and encourage employees to remain in the industry. Competitive salaries, training opportunities, and career advancement programs are becoming important tools for addressing labor shortages.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. A significant number of technician positions stay vacant for several months, making it difficult for dealers to meet service demands. As farms and construction companies continue adopting advanced equipment technologies, the need for qualified technicians is expected to grow even further.
“For more than a decade, the AED Foundation has made workforce development its highest priority because the future of our industry depends on it. This report confirms the technician shortage remains one of our greatest challenges, but it also provides a roadmap for how dealers, manufacturers, educators and industry partners can work together to build a stronger workforce across North America,” said Ron Barlet, Chairman of AEDF and President of Bejac Corp.
He added, “The AED Foundation has made great progress in helping dealers navigate the issue and will continue to support them in this journey.”
The report concludes that strengthening the connection between schools and employers will be critical to solving the technician shortage. By increasing awareness, improving training opportunities, and expanding workforce development programs, industry leaders believe Canada can build the skilled workforce needed to support its agriculture and construction equipment sectors for years to come.