Trade workforce gets expanded support, training and recognition

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 building a future-ready workforce.

Electric vehicle training hits the road

The Canberra Institute of Technology has launched Australia’s first Electric Vehicle TAFE Centre of Excellence Regional Training Roadshow, taking accredited EV safety and maintenance courses directly to businesses across the country.

Starting in Dubbo, New South Wales, the program combines online learning with hands-on sessions covering high-voltage diagnostics, battery inspection and safe EV depowering procedures. The hybrid format minimises disruption to daily operations while delivering nationally recognised qualifications that meet Commonwealth and state licensing standards.

Businesses interested in hosting the roadshow can contact CIT directly to arrange site visits.

Dual trade helps address completion crisis

With automotive and engineering apprenticeship completion rates falling to 57.6 per cent in 2023, according to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research, the Motor Trade Association of South Australia/Northern Territory has introduced Australia’s first dual trade apprenticeship.

The innovative program combines agricultural machinery technology with automotive electrical technology, attracting more than 80 apprentices since launch.

“Modern agricultural equipment uses advanced and complex electronics, from integrated satellite navigation for cropping to electronic sensors used for targeted spraying,” said MTA chief executive officer Darrell Jacobs.

South Australia’s Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer praised the initiative, saying it “marks another important milestone in our commitment to future-focused training” and equips apprentices “with the skills needed to support our agricultural sector and adapt to rapidly evolving technology.”

Industry backs practical learning

Isuzu Australia Limited has donated 32 diesel engines and 49 radiators to five Victorian TAFE campuses, providing apprentices with real-world equipment spanning four- and six-cylinder variants in both mechanical and common-rail designs.

“Demand for diesel-powered commercial vehicles and capital equipment has never been higher and these machines all need service and support throughout their lifecycle,” said IAL head of aftersales Brett Stewart.

“As Australia’s truck market leader, we’re committed to ensuring this demand is met. Our TAFE institutions really are the lifeblood of this broader push.”

SuniTAFE chief executive officer Brett Millington, whose institute serves the Mildura and Swan Hill regions, said the donation would make “a significant difference in the classroom.”

Heavy automotive teacher Will Sharpe added the equipment would give “hundreds of apprentices hands-on exposure to real-world engine diagnostics, cooling system designs and modern common rail diesel technology.”

Financial support expanded

The Federal Government’s 2025-26 Budget includes substantial new assistance measures for apprentices and employers in priority trades including refrigeration, air conditioning, automotive and heavy vehicle maintenance.

Key initiatives include extension of the Priority Hiring Incentive Payment until December 31, 2025, offering up to $5000 for eligible employers in an apprenticeship’s first year, and increased Living Away From Home Allowances from July 1, 2025.

First-year apprentices relocating for work will receive $120 weekly (up from $77.17), second-year apprentices $90 weekly (up from $38.59) and third-year apprentices $45 weekly (up from $25). These rates will be indexed annually.

Disability Apprentice Wage Support will rise to $216.07 weekly from $104.30, helping more people with disabilities access skilled careers.

From January 2027, Free TAFE becomes permanent, delivering 100,000 free training places annually, building on nearly 600,000 enrolments since 2023.

The government will also subsidise Group Training Organisation fees for small and medium employers hiring from a 400-apprentice pool, with 20 per cent of positions reserved for women.

A new Key Apprenticeship Program, including a housing construction stream, offers up to $10,000 to apprentices in high-priority construction occupations until June 2029.

Women break barriers in heavy trades

Transport Women Australia, supported by Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia grants, recently awarded $3000 scholarships to five women apprentices in the heavy vehicle sector facing financial hardship.

Nineteen-year-old Victorian first-year apprentice Mariah Condor said: “As a female in a male-dominated industry, I don’t like letting that stop me.”

Erin Simpson, 30, from New South Wales and mother to an eight-month-old, said the scholarship would “allow me to make my day-to-day jobs easier at work” despite the challenges of “being a mature-age apprentice with an eight-month-old baby on apprenticeship wages.”

Single mother Kathryn Dedini, 31, from New South Wales, said the scholarship would help her “focus on completing my apprenticeship and offering me a bit of very appreciated breathing room.”

Building confidence through education

More than 60 women from across the automotive industry recently attended a sold-out ‘How Does a Car Work?’ workshop at the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association headquarters.

Led by Auto Innovation Centre managing director Luke Truskinger, the session explained how vehicles turn fuel or electricity into motion, covering components including crankshafts, camshafts, pistons and hybrid motors.

“This wasn’t just a technical workshop — it was an empowering night,” said AAAA Women Steering Committee member Ange Wall.

“So many women told us they’d been nodding through car talk for years. Now they feel more prepared.”

AAAA Women Committee member Lesley Yates emphasised: “Understanding how the mechanical systems work gives you the confidence to speak up, ask questions and be more effective in your role.”

The event forms part of AAAA Women’s broader initiative supporting women in Australia’s $58 billion automotive aftermarket industry, with more sessions planned for 2026.

Excellence in sector partnerships

The Australian Refrigeration Council recently received WorldSkills Australia’s Gold Medallion for its commitment to skills development in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector.

“We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from WorldSkills Australia,” said ARC technical and training manager Noel Munkman.

“This medallion reflects our shared mission to inspire and equip the next generation of skilled professionals.”

Industry recognition remains elusive

Despite progress across multiple fronts, the automotive sector still lacks recognition as a standalone industry under national classification systems.

Jobs and Skills Australia currently categorises automotive work across several broad categories including Manufacturing, Retail Trade and Transport.

While detailed data exists for roles including mechanics, panel beaters and electricians, the lack of unified industry classification creates visibility issues, fragments policy planning and leaves young job seekers without clear career pathways.

As Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia notes: “Automotive is everywhere. It’s time to bridge that gap.”

With the industry rapidly evolving through electric vehicles, clean energy and smart technologies, the case for a unified, future-focused approach to training and workforce planning has never been stronger.