Cool Cars

20 April 2023

Victoria has around 4.5 million motorists and 18,807 auto businesses. Finding labour and retaining staff are the big industry issues right now, and it impacts everyone. 

VACC and TACC are tackling the skills concern from a number of angles – including the silver screen!

The chambers have hit the road with Cool Cars with Dermott and Elise, a brand-new television show on 7mate starring Dermott Brereton and Elise Elliott. Both self-confessed rev heads, the duo visits eight businesses across Victoria and Tasmania, sitting down with business owners and their apprentices to talk all things automotive, with a particular focus on skills and career pathways.

The businesses have been selected from different industry sectors to showcase the opportunities available in automotive – such as light vehicle, heavy vehicle, motorcycle, paint and panel, restoration, and farm machinery. Look out for Geelong Harley-Davidson, Geelong Isuzu, Bendigo Mazda, Zagame Tullamarine, Dale Paterson Motorsports, Maskells Customs & Classics, Blackmans Bay Motors, and Agpower.

While we’re on the topic of careers. VACC and TACC have also launched AutoCareers, a jobs portal to thrust automotive pathways in front of young people and their influencers, along with skilled workers looking for a career change.

Do you – or someone you know – want to kick-off a career in automotive?

The industry is changing, and in a good way. It’s a high-tech work environment with long-term job security, there’s lots of variety, and you can get great wages and benefits. Whether you’re a skilled worker looking for a career change, or just starting out and keen to explore apprentice opportunities, AutoCareers is the place to start.

Search a job today – plus chamber members can also list their vacancies for free! 

Visit: autocareers.com.au

Cool Cars with Dermott and Elise is on 7mate Thursdays at 4.30pm, repeating Saturdays 1.30pm.

Words: VACC CEO Geoff Gwilym. As featured in the Herald Sun on 21 April 2023.