In an industry first, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) and the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland), have joined forces to address a significant industry issue.
The automotive industry is experiencing extraordinary skills shortages, so understanding the journey undertaken by apprentices is vital to support the sector into the future. Together, the AAAA, AADA and MTA Queensland, commissioned ACA Research to run a comprehensive survey of automotive apprentices. The findings of this invaluable research will enable the industry, training providers and government to make the changes needed to improve skill development, career pathways and job opportunities.
While some of the findings show young apprentices consider changing careers during their apprenticeship, the vast majority have a passion for and stay in the automotive industry. This commitment is connected to their initial career drivers and vision for the future through their true love and passion for all-things automotive. For policy makers there are key opportunities to design closer engagement with fourth year apprentices to educate on options post-qualification. 88 per cent of apprentices have a genuine interest in developing their own knowledge in the newest technologies and overwhelmingly recognise the importance of ongoing learning beyond the completion of their initial qualification. Students identified extension learning in specialisation areas like hybrid or electric vehicles, programming and diagnostics, advanced driver assistance systems technology, or learning business skills to operate a workshop.
The survey provided a great insight into the perspectives of women who work in the automotive industry. There have been significant improvements for women undertaking an apprenticeship particularly as they become familiar with the opportunities available for a long-term automotive career and the successes of other women working in the industry.
To access the report, please visit this link: https://bit.ly/Auto-Apprentice-Survey
