Body repair representatives attended the Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA) event at the Motor Trades Authority Queensland to discuss how the industry can work together to tackle the skills shortage in Australia.
Stuart Faid, Vice President of the Fix Auto MSO network in Asia, Head of Fix Auto in Australia and a founding ACIA member, opened the evening with an introduction into the challenges and opportunities within the collision repair industry, which ignited the idea to establish the not-for-profit-organisation.
“The ACIA has the opportunity to rebrand the industry and educate the wider public about the opportunities that exist,” said Faid. “We also have the opportunity to provide support to recruit, retain and nurture talent.”
The ACIA said it has 41 members, a number which is growing with each event held across Australia. Companies have supported a catalyst fund, allowing the ACIA to identify solutions and plan support activities.
“Nobody assumes this is easy [but] we have a big group of enthusiastic people. The ACIA has established three action groups and four working groups led and supported by industry experts who volunteer their time to driving and realising the purpose of this organisation,” said Faid.