We are just days away from Autocare, with final preparations underway for what will be Australia’s largest ever automotive training event on June 9 and 10 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Center.
We take great pride in the comprehensive training program we have created for technicians and shop owners on topics that matter, and the pool of exceptional industry experts we have brought together to deliver each session. From improving business sustainability, efficiency and profitability, to the latest EV services, repairs and advanced diagnostic training, this is an event you should not miss.
I also love to see thousands of attendees take advantage of the FREE Autocare Trade Shows for the industry. The Trade Show will feature 100 of Australia’s top brands showcasing the latest tools, technologies and services and is a valuable addition to the Autocare educational programme.
Register to attend a free trade show at www.autocare.org.au/tradeshow. Reminder: trade show registration will not grant access to the paid Autocare Training Program.
We also delivered a new initiative with the National Light Vehicle Modification Summit. This event will provide a unique and rare opportunity for vehicle modifiers to discuss current and future vehicle regulations. I know most of the big players have locked their presence. Last minute tickets are still available for the Modifications Summit at www.autocare.org.au/modsummit
We can’t wait to bring Autocare to our industry. It will be a truly extraordinary event, and I hope to see many of you there.
We recently had two major announcements from the Federal Government that will have a direct impact on our industry, and are highly related to the training we provide in Autocare.
The first was the launch of the National EV Strategy, designed to pave the way for Australia’s transition to electric vehicles, and to a cleaner environment.
While we welcome the strategy, as the Automotive service and repair industry will be a critical component to ensuring the success of the EV Strategy, we would like to see more details on how the Government plans to support the increased demand for service, repair, maintenance and training. Ensuring the availability of cost-effective parts, skills and equipment to support the maintenance and efficient operation of EVs is critical to the systems and infrastructure needed to enable the rapidly increasing use of EVs.
Despite the inclusion of funds to support New Energy Internships, with demand for EV courses and trainers outstripping supply, we need more trainers and flexible training options for our existing 360,000 automotive professionals, and in particular for automotive light vehicle technicians located in rural and urban areas. regional Australia.
We look forward to the opportunity to engage in planning a clear National EV Training Roadmap to support this transition with the Federal Government, as currently, EV upskilling efforts are a highly fragmented and confusing landscape.
I believe that a transition to zero and low emission passenger cars can bring great benefits to society, and we must work together to develop the systems, infrastructure and training needed to support this transition.
The second announcement is the new Migration Strategy. This strategy will prioritize skilled workers in industries facing long-term labor shortages, including the automotive service and repair sector. AAAA supports Government initiatives to foster innovation in the economy and create jobs for the future through simplified pathways for specialized and high-skilled workers.
While migration is not a magic fix for skills shortages, changes to the migration system will greatly benefit businesses.
The strategy addresses some of the concerns the aftermarket industry has raised over the years, including complexity and cost, as the sector grapples with a shortage of more than 30,000 skilled workers.
I have heard from many of our members who have considered sponsoring overseas workers to fill important skills roles, but the complicated process, combined with exorbitant visa fees and accreditation courses that cost some mechanic shops more than $20,000 per worker, has become significant deterrent. This fee is something the AAAA believes the Federal Government should reduce as part of its Migration Strategy.
Labor restrictions for businesses impact the cost and availability of repairs and maintenance for Australian car owners. We will work with the government to build on this initial outline to ensure businesses have a transparent system that places productivity as a top priority.
Skilled migration can play an important role in helping build much needed capacity in Australia’s automotive service and repair sector. We look forward to engaging with the government on how best to achieve common goals for the industry and leveraging the new migration policy to help address skills shortages in our sector.
Skills shortages are the number one concern for our industry, and we will continue to do everything we can to address this issue at all levels of government.
If you want to support our work and are not already a member of the AAAA, membership is the best way to help us protect and promote our industry. To learn more and join in, visit www.aaaa.com.au
See you at Autocare!
