New report identifies a shortage of more than 1,200 technicians annually in Canada’s agricultural and construction equipment sectors, intensifying competition for skilled tradespeople.
Canadian agricultural and construction equipment dealers face an annual shortfall of approximately 1,263 technicians, costing the industry an estimated CA$803 million in lost shop and parts revenue, according to a new workforce report.
The findings also highlight a growing challenge for Canada’s collision repair industry: competition for qualified technicians is extending beyond automotive repair shops. Collision repairers are competing with equipment dealers and other skilled-trades employers for people with mechanical aptitude, diagnostic abilities, and technical training.
The 2026 Technician Shortage Report: Canadian Edition, prepared by Randall Reilly in partnership with the Canada Equipment Dealers Foundation (CEDF) and the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation (AEDF), examines the causes and economic consequences of the shortage, along with strategies to improve recruitment and retention.
The report estimates that Canada will need to fill approximately 26,500 equipment technician positions over the next decade. The impact is already being felt across the industry: 78 per cent of dealers say they cannot keep pace with customer demand because of the shortage, while 62 per cent report that it has hindered business growth.
The research identifies limited awareness of equipment technician careers as a significant recruitment barrier. Sixty-two per cent of dealers cited a lack of career awareness as a root cause, while 70 per cent said the education system does not adequately prepare students for skilled-trades careers outside traditional college pathways.
Retention is another concern. Although 72 per cent of dealers plan to increase technician pay, one-quarter report that technician positions remain vacant for more than 150 days.
For collision repair businesses, these findings underscore the importance of promoting the industry as a rewarding career option and strengthening relationships with high schools, vocational training programs, and apprenticeship initiatives. As vehicles become more complex and repair procedures increasingly depend on advanced diagnostics and technology, the demand for technical skills is unlikely to diminish.
The report identifies expanded work-based learning opportunities and increased subsidies or tax credits for employers that train technicians as two of the industry’s highest priorities for addressing the shortage.
CEDF and AEDF are also working to build awareness of equipment industry careers through education initiatives, grants, and workforce events connecting students with industry professionals.
The findings serve as a reminder that the competition for skilled technicians is an industry-wide workforce issue. Collision repair businesses will need to make a compelling case for careers in their sector while investing in training, development, and employee retention.
The full 2026 Technician Shortage Report: Canadian Edition is available through the Associated Equipment Distributors.