Automotive training has just received a significant boost with the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and Chisholm Institute signing a Memorandum of Understanding today.
From next year, the two organisations will cooperate in providing long-term training outcomes for Victorian automotive apprentices, trainees, and technicians.
With a nationwide automotive skills gap of 35,000 unfilled positions, this is good news for job-seekers, automotive business owners and Victoria’s 3.8 million motorists.
The partnership responds to industry concerns regarding training quality and is designed to:
- Strengthen outcomes through the development of industry-supported learning and assessment resources
- Enhance educator vocational skills and knowledge by providing access to the latest in industry technology
- Provide up-to-date equipment, to enable learners to be trained and assessed on vehicles used in the workplace.
The program commences in 2020 for first-year apprentices, incorporates second-year apprentices from 2021 and third-year apprentices in 2022. Initially, the number of available places will be limited, but it is anticipated that as the program expands the number of apprentices and supported industry sectors will grow.
VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym said: “VACC has been training apprentices for almost 100 years and is always seeking positive outcomes for the automotive industry. With Australia facing a significant skills shortage, training the next generation is crucial.
“By joining forces, we will be able to leverage VACC’s vast automotive industry experience with Chisholm Institute’s competencies in skills training and education.”
Chisholm Institute interim CEO, Stephen Varty said Chisholm welcomed the opportunity to work with the largest employer of automotive apprentices nationally.
“It is a collaboration that will ensure quality student outcomes for the automotive industry. Our aim is to produce strong and capable graduates with study and training options beyond their apprenticeship, to encourage them to advance at different stages of their career.
“Through the effective alignment of student training with industry needs and expectations, the benefits will flow to improved contextualisation of course delivery, employer satisfaction, graduate capability, and student employment outcomes.”