Industry representatives attended an Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA) information event at the Motor Traders Association of SA / NT to discuss how they can work together to tackle the skills shortage in Australia.
The event was the sixth information evening informing industry participants of the alliance’s strategy to attract new talent, and to encourage businesses to join the organisation.
The ACIA now has 49 members from a cross-section of the industry. ACIA Board Member Rob Bartlett explained the not-for-profit organisation’s aims, how it will raise the industry’s public profile, and how it will promote careers in body repair.
“It was great to be able to share the vision for ACIA’s national approach to tackling our skills shortage,” said Bartlett. “We’re still a young organisation with a way to go and lots to do. Together, as a collective, there is so much more we can achieve to address the biggest challenge to the sustainability of our industry.
“I would like to thank MTA SA for hosting our information session and congratulate them on the great work they are doing with their apprentice training programme.”
Dario Tonon from Eblen Crash Repairs attended the session and joined the ACIA. “Any initiative to attract young people into the industry is welcome,” said Tonon. “As it becomes more technical it should appeal to younger people – we just have to get the message out there.”