The Motor Trade Association’s (MTA) Training Center in Cleve, South Australia, is set to receive a $400,000 boost, which could help alleviate the shortage of mechanics across the state. The funding will allow the training center to offer an additional 50 apprenticeships, raising the total number of apprentices to 150.
Currently, there are 2,050 vacant specialized motor trade positions in South Australia, causing a significant shortage in the industry. The MTA’s Cleve Training Center has been steadily growing since its establishment in 2019, starting with only six apprentices and now hosting 100. With the new funding, the training center aims to double its capacity and serve the local community by training 150 apprentices.
The enhancement to the training center will include state-of-the-art equipment, a new heavy and agricultural vehicle workshop, and improvements to classrooms and offices. The center will also function as a full-time career hub, providing drop-in sessions and interviews to connect students and job seekers with work experience, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.
The MTA’s Cleve Training Center offers a variety of courses, with agricultural mechanics being the most popular. Other career options include heavy machinery and auto-electrical. The training centers in Cleve and Adelaide are strategically located to reduce travel costs for businesses and retain talented individuals in the regions.
The injection of funding will ensure that apprentices are equipped with the latest technological advancements in the automotive industry. Auto-electrical skills, in particular, are in high demand due to the rise of electric vehicles, autonomous tractors, and GPS systems. The industry is rapidly evolving, with an increasing reliance on plug-in computers, diagnostics, and programming.
While electric vehicles are not yet the majority on Australian roads, their popularity is rapidly growing, with a 300% increase in sales this year. The industry anticipates a transition towards electric vehicles in the coming years. However, in the meantime, the MTA’s Training Center will play a vital role in addressing the skills crisis in South Australia.
The boost to the MTA’s Training Center is a step towards filling the shortage of mechanics in South Australia. By providing additional apprenticeship opportunities and modernizing training facilities, the center aims to attract more young people to the motor trade industry and showcase the abundant opportunities available. With the automotive landscape constantly changing, it is crucial to equip apprentices with the necessary skills to adapt to new technologies and meet the future demands of the industry.
Sources:
– ABC News, “Motor trades training centre in Cleve to get $400k boost,” updated on August 2, 2021.
– Motor Trades Association of SA and NT.