The Queensland based, but more lately nationally focussed, HVIA has announced that in partnership with The Industry School, which it says is its and workforce development partner, plans to establish a pilot Automotive Academy in Queensland which it says, if successful, will quickly expand into a second interstate campus in Victoria.
The HVIA says that for several years that it has partnered with the school, which was formerly known as the Australian Industry Trade College, on attracting school-based apprentices into the heavy vehicle industry.
The industry continues to struggle with a lack of skilled tradespeople, particularly with high paying jobs being a lure in fly in fly out roles in mining and other related industries, further reducing the available pool of skilled staff for a growing transport industry.
Hino Australia president, Richard Emery told T&B News recently that his company was continuing to try and boost potential apprentices for its workshops and dealerships. Similar concerns and plans have been enunciated by just about every truck maker int he Australian market.
AT its Executive Club held in Melbourne last week the HVIA said that under the plans it announced, the partnership will reach a ‘new level” with the planned Automotive Academy targeting senior school-aged young people (years 10-12) and will ensure not only do they complete Year 12 but also fast-track an apprenticeship in the automotive industry.
In announcing the initiative, incoming CEO of The Industry School Lee Smith focused on its deliberately different approach to learning.
“Our young people are moulded with a concerted effort to character, technical intelligence, safety and real-world learning, where their time in school is matched with 28 weeks in industry per year,” Smith said.
“Our core promise is that we will connect young people with opportunities with industry, and industry with great young people.
“The Industry School has grown year on year and now has 1,300 students across six campuses and four existing academies.
“Our success of a 98 per cent Queensland Certificate of Education completion rate, and 96 per cent successful employment, enables us to extend our offering and grow.”
“Our partnership with HVIA and the broader automotive industry will be key to get this Automotive Academy up and running.”
HVIA vice chair, Miles Crawford sayid that the industry experience during COVID-19 should never be repeated, telling the audience: “The time to invest in skills is now. We must grow our pipeline of young people who want to join our industry,” he says.
Members are encouraged to reach out to Michael Rose, HVIA’s new Skills, Training and Workforce Development Manager, should they wish to learn more about the opportunity. He can be reached at m.rose@hvia.asn.au.
