The Motor Traders’ Association of NSW (MTA NSW) has announced the launch of its own jobs board. It’s an initiative that hopes to revolutionise career pathways for young people by providing a streamlined approach for both jobseekers and employers – acting as a much-needed step toward tackling the skills shortage affecting so many trades across the country.
The announcement highlights the organisation’s recognition of the urgent need to bridge the talent gap currently in the Australian automotive industry. It’s estimated there is a shortage of around 38,000 skilled professionals in NSW and the ACT, with employers in all areas of those regions keen to take on apprentices.
By promoting the benefits of an automotive industry training pathway to a range of potential job seekers – including mature-age people and women – it’s hoping to see more of those jobs getting filled.
The automotive-specific jobs platform is designed to function similarly to popular platforms like Seek, but without the clutter of jobs from unrelated occupations, and caters to the needs of both job seekers and automotive businesses.
Helping school leavers find their training pathway
School leavers, apprentices, and seasoned automotive professionals can now create a profile showcasing their qualifications and experience, to help businesses streamline their processes around filling vacant roles.
Many apprenticeships available within the automotive sector enable students to get paid while being trained and accessing their industry-relevant education, as opposed to other higher education pathways that involve accumulating debt while studying.
The diverse range of available roles in the automotive sector spans business ownership and general management, through to vintage car restoration and motorsports.
“This platform marks a significant leap forward for the automotive industry. We’re investing substantially to attract new entrants to the workforce, as well as advocating strongly to the government to fund VET placements and make the industry attractive for school leavers,” says Stavros Yallouridis, CEO of MTA NSW.
“We want parents to know that a career in the automotive industry is so much more diverse than simply changing tyres. From a career as a diesel mechanic in the mining industry to a dealer principal at a car dealership, or even owning an automotive business, there are so many varied paths for students looking to leap into the world of work, some of which are very lucrative.”
Yallouridis says roles in today’s automotive sector “require a range of skills that weren’t traditionally associated with the sector, including knowledge of science and technology”.
“This is expected to continue being a focus looking into the future with developments across engineering, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and hydrogen fuel.”
Employment initiative creates connections
MTA NSW represents 28 different motor trades, including member forums and on-site visits. It also assists members in the daily running of their businesses, as well as lobbying governing bodies to ensure a robust and thriving automotive industry.
This new employment platform initiative follows on from the advocacy work MTA NSW has undertaken with the NSW state government to address issues impacting the automotive sector, including the need for funding boosts as the industry evolves.
The association has also called for employers to improve their understanding attracting apprentices onto shop floors quickly to address the skills shortage. Allowing school leavers and apprentices the ability to make a profile and connect with employers directly aims to help address that issue.
“Our jobs board will help to take the pressure off employers and automotive workers, but collaboration with the government – both at state and federal levels – is essential to secure the talent pipeline needed for the future,” says Yallouridis.
