Suncorp Group has become the first insurance company to partner with the Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA), inking a two-year sponsorship agreement with the repair industry advocacy body.
Luke Whenman, EGM Motor Claims Customers at Suncorp, said the arrangement was an important partnership.
“This is an excellent step forward for the repair industry, recognising the significance of investing in developing current and future talent. I’m proud that Suncorp can partner with ACIA to ensure the delivery of exceptional repair outcomes for our customers,” said Whenman.
Stuart Faid, ACIA board member and Fix Network Regional Vice President Australia, Asia, NZ, said the partnership would help support and tackle the mounting skills shortage crisis facing the industry.
“It’s great to see one of Australia’s major insurers getting behind the industry through this commitment to the ACIA,” said Faid. “It is a testament to their commitment to the long-term sustainability of the industry that Suncorp is the first insurer to become an industry partner of the ACIA.
“Suncorp joins a diverse range of stakeholders across the entire supply chain from parts companies, equipment suppliers, paint companies, right through to the repairers themselves, creating a truly diverse membership focused on the complex task of building increased community awareness of the array of careers available in collision.”
The ACIA is a national not-for-profit organisation that promotes a wide range of careers offered in the collision repair sector to attract and retain staff, boosting industry sustainability. It focuses on co-ordinating industry stakeholders including collision repairers, industry suppliers, insurers, dealer groups and OEMs in funding and driving programmes for attracting new talent.