Skill supply

26 August 2022

For decades, the automotive industry has warned there are not enough people entering automotive trades (and, therefore, keeping motorists safe on the road) and that a skills crisis was imminent. 

And here it is. 

Apprenticeships and traineeships have long created a pipeline of skilled labour for our automotive industry. And traditionally the local workforce has been bolstered by international labour where there has been a gap. 

COVID-19 put a stop to that for some time.

Now, despite Federal Government financial support and incentives and schemes including TACC Automotive Apprenticeships, it’s disappointing to see the number of apprentices and trainees commencing has fallen across key automotive trades. 

It truly is a missed opportunity. The way I see it – for many young people, apprenticeships are a fantastic career choice. Trade apprentices get paid while they learn and graduate with transferable skills that are at little risk of becoming obsolete. That’s a great thing to rely upon, especially in times like these.  

All apprenticeships have a job entry point and a job destination. Sounds like a pretty good training model to me. 

On a brighter note, Australia’s skill shortage is a problem that everybody can help mend. 

TACC is launching a careers campaign later this year, in a bid to boost numbers and interest. 

Business owners can liaise with local schools and apprentice networks, including TACC Automotive Apprenticeships, in a bid to employ and foster an apprentice. 

Parents and teachers can also help by promoting trades to young people. 

If we do nothing, everyone loses.

Words: TACC State Manager, Bruce McIntosh. As featured in The Mercury on 26 August 2022.