In Belgium, the number of garage owners has decreased in recent decades, going from 6,000 in 1990 to some 1,800 dealers today. Traxio, the federation for the automobile sector and related industries has indicated this. The volume of employment in the sector has however remained stable and there are some 3,000 job vacancies across the entire country.
The spokesman for Traxio, Philippe Decrock, explained to the Belga press agency, “Back in 1990, each garage employed an average of between five and 10 people. Currently there are between 20 and 50 people working in each organisation.”
Car dealerships have become more significant. Small garage owners with no successors, or who were faced with significant financial commitments, have had to close over the period. Mr Decrock adds that there are now fewer garage units, but they perform better financially, and have greater business stability. This enables them to respond to both the given brand standards and the new customer requirements.
The automotive sector is going through a major transition phase. It needs well-trained individuals with new skills. An entire range of person profiles are sought with current industry vacancies, ranging from car mechanics to salesmen.
The Brussels Times
