Queensland Automotive Academy to address skills shortage

Queensland has unveiled a pioneering automotive training initiative designed to combat the industry’s critical skills shortage, with a new academy set to provide senior secondary students with direct pathways into automotive careers from 2026.

The Automotive Academy, announced on August 12, 2025, represents a collaborative effort between the Heavy Vehicle Industry Association, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association and the Motor Trades Association of Queensland to address the need for 73,500 additional apprentices nationwide.

Starting in January 2026, the program will offer Years 10-12 students the opportunity to earn a Certificate II in Automotive while gaining hands-on industry experience across multiple roles, combining classroom study with up to 28 weeks of industry placement annually.