Automotive apprenticeship and traineeship commencements are at a record high thanks to the McGowan Labor Government’s massive investment in training.
Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery revealed that commencements have increased more than 176 per cent since September 2016 at the opening of the Motor Trade Association of Western Australia’s (MTA WA) Automotive Innovation Training Centre.
There have been almost 7,200 publicly funded enrolments in automotive qualifications in 2021 to the end of October – this is a 25 per cent increase on October last year.
More than 6,200 or 87 per cent of publicly funded automotive enrolments in 2021 have been part of the McGowan Government’s Lower fees, local skills qualifications.
The courses with the most enrolments are the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (1,520 enrolments) and Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology (1,429 enrolments).
Enrolments in these courses increased by 24 per cent and 31 per cent respectively compared to the same period last year.
The opening of the new Automotive Innovation Training Centre will further drive skills creation and address the changing training needs of the automotive industry created by advancing vehicle technology.
The new centre will offer training programs in auto electrical, battery and hybrid electrical programs, advanced driver assistance systems and air conditioning with further programs to be added as technologies develop.
The automotive industry is critical to the State and having a skilled workforce is a high priority for the State Government.
Job adverts for motor mechanics in WA have increased by almost 61 per cent compared to this time last year, while employment within the automotive electricians and mechanics occupation group has increased and is today estimated to be 19 per cent higher than five years ago.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“These figures are proof that my Government’s investment in training is working.
“The automotive industry is experiencing the greatest level of change since Karl Benz first drove his automobile in 1886.
“Through our investment in training and upskilling Western Australians we are ensuring the State is prepared to meet this demand.
“The Automotive Innovation Training Centre will play a significant part in meeting the industry’s skilled workforce needs.
“Congratulations to the MTA WA on its wonderful and timely new training facility, which will help meet future industry skills needs and challenges.”
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“The growth of hydrogen and battery technologies are creating exciting opportunities for Western Australians training and working in the automotive industry.
“The new Automotive Innovation Training Centre will provide industry-ready apprentices and upskill current technicians to support the arrival of new vehicles and a range of other industry technologies.
“Recent announcements of large-scale hydrogen production plants will see an acceleration of hydrogen technology.
“Government and industry are working together to ensure the automotive workforce is ready to make the most of the opportunities ahead.”
