Tag: Training

Women technicians needed!

Australia’s automotive aftermarket sector faces a severe and ongoing skills shortage, with nearly 40,000 technicians urgently needed across the country. Yet despite this clear demand, women hold only around 1 in 40 automotive trade roles, according to data from the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance. This underrepresentation is compounding the labour shortage, especially as demand … Continue reading Women technicians needed!

VASA members are invited to contribute to a national review of training materials for handling flammable refrigerant gases, with a survey from the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA) open until 5pm on Wednesday 31 December 2025. The project is reviewing and updating key units of competency within AUR20220 Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning … Continue reading National training review seeks industry input on flammable refrigerant handling

The Australian Auto Aftermarket Expo will return to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 14-16 May 2026, promising more than 400 brands on display and an expanded education program under the theme ‘Driving What’s Next’. Organised by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) and co-located with the Collision Repair Expo, the three-day trade event … Continue reading Aftermarket Expo confirmed for May 2026, free registrations now open

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 … Continue reading Queensland Automotive Academy to address skills shortage

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the workforce, many young Australians are pivoting away from traditional white-collar careers in favour of skilled trades. This growing trend, coined the “AIxiety Pivot”, is largely driven by concerns over job security, the cost of education and a desire for more control over career paths. According to a Zety report, … Continue reading AI-ronic skills shortage hope

VASA member workshop Elizabeth Auto Electrics has made history by hosting the 100th dual trade apprentice enrolled through MTA Training and Employment’s nation-leading program. Alexander Adcock joined the northern Adelaide business as demand for advanced automotive skills accelerates in response to the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard and the rapid uptake of hybrid and … Continue reading VASA member hosts 100th dual trade apprentice through MTA SA/NT

Australia’s automotive sector is receiving unprecedented support through new training programs, funding boosts and innovative apprenticeship models as governments and industry bodies work to address critical skills shortages across the trade sector. The push includes everything from electric vehicle maintenance courses to agricultural machinery training, with significant financial backing aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures while … Continue reading Trade workforce gets expanded support, training and recognition

From left: Rod Camm, Benjamin Ward, Graeme Whickman, Rob Cameron and Stuart Charity

The automotive service sector’s skills shortage has reached crisis point, with apprenticeship numbers plummeting 25 per cent last year – and it’s affecting everyone from main dealers to independent workshops. Encouragingly, industry leaders are publicly acknowledging that this isn’t a problem any single sector can solve alone. During a panel session at this year’s Autocare … Continue reading Skills crisis hits breaking point: Industry leaders finally talk collaboration

Due to popular demand, CoolDrive Auto Parts and TAFE NSW have scheduled an additional two-day automotive air-conditioning training course for October 3-4, 2025, following the success of their August program. It is the last opportunity to partake in this training in 2025. The accredited course at CoolDrive’s Yatala facility provides automotive professionals with the certification … Continue reading October session announced: Accredited auto-AC training with CoolDrive and TAFE NSW

Major vocational training reform in New Zealand promises to give the automotive sector greater control over apprenticeships and traineeships. It involves a departure from the centralised model under Te Pūkenga, the country’s Institute of Skills and Technology and aims to ensure work-based programmes are more closely aligned with industry needs and job realities. The shift … Continue reading NZ auto industry welcomes vocational training reform