Across the board, the automotive industry continues to feel the impact of an unprecedented skills shortage. It stifles growth and innovation and causes unyielding stress for business owners.
The Australian government’s decision to streamline the migrant skills assessment process – making skilled migration significantly more accessible to potential candidates – is welcome news, and will provide positive outcomes for the automotive sector in the longer term.
However, is it the silver bullet to transform our industry back to its glory days? Perhaps not, but it’s certainly one pathway to access skilled labour.
Another avenue is to invest in the next generation of kids coming through and to provide proper training to give them the best opportunity to succeed. Additionally, looking closer to home, reviewing staff retention strategies, and fostering a positive work environment are important.
Automotive is a diverse industry, and, along your travels, you meet a range of interesting people who want to give back and help guide others along the way.
Original Engines Co Managing Director Colin Doherty is one of those people.
Colin has always loved working with his hands, and at 16 he tried a chef’s hat on for size, before quickly realising he was meant to pursue his passion for automotive.
He pivoted into a fitting and turning apprenticeship, a precursor to working with and rebuilding engines. Fast forward to current day, and Colin leads a team of highly skilled individuals as the Managing Director of Original Engines Co (formerly Orger Engines). He has grown the business over 30 years to become one of Australia’s leading OEM engine remanufacturers.
An amazing achievement, given the engine reconditioning and remanufacturing sector has been in decline in recent times.
The key to his success? Colin attributes it to his loyal and resolute staff. He maintains that staff satisfaction and retention are key, especially when you operate within an industry that has a hard time attracting new staff.
“I love learning every day and sharing my knowledge with the younger folks,” said Simon Hall, a long-term employee of 40 years. An asset to the team, he oozes passion and has a tremendous knowledge of the trade.
The business’ team-first philosophy is evident in Colin’s clear and achievable Original Engines Co strategic plans, emphasis on education and training, and steps to facilitate and maintain an inclusive work environment including team bonding activities.
Colin believes worker involvement in the business decision-making process is vital. For example, in partnership with Ford, Original Engines Co provides Ford dealerships across Australia and New Zealand with fast, dependable, and high-quality services. Providing services to OEMs brings with it a whole new level of demand, and without a stable and competent workforce, you may as well close the doors.
With the rapid rise of electric vehicles and the signaling from governments around the world (including Australia) to move towards cleaner and renewable energy sources, Colin is firmly future-focused. He is investigating new opportunities to ensure his business continues to thrive.
“We will continue to evolve and partner with OEMs to assist with automotive engine rebuilding and servicing into the future,” said Colin.
In an industry facing great chance, there is one constant: Look after your staff. Without them, you have no business.
It’s the key to success.
Words: VACC Industry Policy Advisor John Khoury. As featured in Australasian Automotive June 2023.