The MTA SA / NT and the RAA recently presented the ‘Future Ready’ information session to support the industry’s preparation for the rise of hybrid and electric vehicle technology.
Held at the MTA’s headquarters in Adelaide and attended by more than 150 people from 75 automotive businesses, the event aimed to support the local automotive industry in gaining practical insights on how best to prepare for future challenges and opportunities.
“While we know EVs won’t overtake petrol and diesel tomorrow, the MTA are delivering quality training that will both build an EV skilled workforce and upskill existing automotive technicians to enable this inevitable transition,” said Darrell Jacobs, CEO of the MTA SA / NT.
“The automotive sector is in the midst of the most significant innovations to mobility and transport seen in living memory, and helping the automotive industry prepare for new vehicle technology is a primary focus.”
The MTA invited members from its body repair specialists, automotive dismantlers, automotive dealers, automotive repair and engineering specialists, and tyre dealer’s divisions in addition to other industry stakeholders, while the RAA invited its approved repairers.
Guests heard from industry experts and senior leadership from both associations, and toured MTA training facilities.
“EV sales are doubling year-on-year and soon there are going to be thousands more on our roads needing to be serviced and maintained,” said Simon Halford, Future Technology Expert at the RAA. “The ‘Future Ready’ event featured informative presentations on topics such as the current vehicle market outlook, vehicle batteries, battery recycling and more.
“Ultimately, it’s about making sure our approved repairer network is ready for the EV wave, so we can continue to provide the level of service that our 815,000 members expect.”
Jacobs said the MTA is heavily engaged with government at all levels on the transition to zero and low emission vehicles, adding that assisting automotive business transition and reskilling the workforce of more than 15,000 automotive technicians is a key priority. This prompted the MTA to create a pathway for established mechanics to gain additional qualifications in EVs without leaving the workshop for months on end learning at trade school.
Additionally, shorter one- and five-day safety courses are geared towards entry-level technicians and apprentices working with electric vehicles. The MTA is also developing a pathway for new apprentices.
“We work closely with the SA Skills Commission and developed a dual trade for apprenticeships – for heavy and light – and combined that with auto-electrical,” said Jacobs. “It allows apprentices to develop the skills for today and for the future.”