8 minute read
Queensland Members celebrate
New data is set to inform new approaches as the industry tackles the skills shortage
The breaking new data and market intelligence on the experience of over 600 auto apprentices is a fantastic resource that will be put to good use to support a recruitment campaign and to guide employers on how to nurture and keep great talent. The data is going to be very insightful as we run it out – over 60 percent of the fourth year apprentices have considered leaving our industry and one in four female apprentices change their employer during their training years. We clearly have a large gap in finding staff and a big challenge in keeping them. Of course, you already knew that, but the research project was not designed to confirm what you already know – the data also provides much needed answers on what employees love about our industry and what would keep the senior apprentices engaged in our industry for many years to come. We have a big problem, but there is so much more that can be and the research brings ideas for action delivering optimism and hope for our future. We will be talking more about this research project over the remainder of this year, but in the meantime, some interesting intel is already being revealed. As we deliver the data to workshops from Western Australia to Queensland, sharing the top level information to get out some key messages, we are already hearing of some impressive local initiatives to alleviate the crisis on a workshop to workshop basis. What’s interesting is that as we should have expected, workshops are already engaging in some pretty innovative activities to either recruit or to retain staff. It is very clear that the leading employers already undertake clever options to improve their ability to find and keep staff. For example, a larger number of workshops are using a four-day week – if you ask for a show of hands on a four-day week you can see this trend for improving work life balance and as a retention strategy is more prevalent than we would have expected. This is an option that is more likely to suit larger employers – because of course, the roster works to give everyone a chance to work their five days over four days and Monday and Friday is rostered to make sure that cars can continue to be serviced and repaired. There are also plenty of other initiatives in operation that support employees in new ways – supporting travel during school holidays, providing innovative ongoing training (88 percent of older apprentices believe that they need to keep learning). Another technique that we are seeing is declaring the salary up front in job ads. Many do not feel comfortable doing this, but from the feedback it is pretty clear that ‘competitive salary’ is not as effective as simply telling a technician what they are likely to earn. The time to fill vacancies for the workshops that actually state the salary upfront in the job ad is generally two to four weeks instead of the expected eight to 12 weeks. The message here is that the data can provide us with real intelligence on how to design a recruitment strategy, it can support employers to have a conversation with employees about their intentions and we can use it to talk to government about changes to policy. But in the meantime, we do need to put into practice new options to recruit and retain and the reality is that we are in a market that is now competing for scarce resources and that means thinking a little differently about the standard employment offer.
QUEENSLAND MEMBERS CELEBRATE
At AAAA Networking Event
On Tuesday the 22nd of June, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) hosted a successful networking evening for Queensland members. Held at the beautiful Victoria Park Golf Club in Brisbane, the member evening was the first AAAA networking event to take place since the announcement of the passing of the Mandatory Data Sharing Law. Over 100 enthusiastic members, spanning the breadth of the industry, came together to celebrate the new law, network and learn the latest industry updates from the AAAA team. Attendees were joined by Nigel Bishop, AAAA Membership Manager and MC for the event, as well as AIC Managing Director Luke Truskinger. Due to current travel restrictions in Victoria, AAAA Chief Executive Officer Stuart Charity, and AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, Lesley Yates, joined the evening from Melbourne by video link. Stuart and Lesley spoke to the group about the new law, how proud they were of members throughout the journey, and explained the next steps ahead of the new law’s implementation date of the 1st of July 2022. Members also heard some ‘hot-off-the-press’ findings on emerging AAAA and ACA research about the size of the independent workshop industry and its economic impact. When complete, these research findings will ultimately provide a much clearer picture of this sector. The results will be produced into relatable information that will help members with business decisions, and assist the AAAA with our continued government advocacy work. The AAAA sends its thanks to all of the members who came and helped its team to celebrate. The next AAAA Member Networking Evening is in Sydney on 24th August (Pending Covid-19 restrictions). To see a listing of all upcoming AAAA events, please visit www.aaaa.com.au/upcoming-events
Lesley Yates, AAAA Director of Government Relations and Advocacy info@aaaa.com.au
A NEW ERA FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE AND REPAIR INDUSTRY BEGINS
Independent workshops across Australia have started a new chapter thanks to a transformational law that promotes a fair and level playing field in the automotive service and repair industry, and ensures consumers have a choice of repairer. As of the 1st of July, the Motor Vehicle Information Scheme (MVIS) became operational in Australia. The law, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, compels vehicle manufacturers to provide all service and repair information to independent repairers at a fair market price. “The law is a game-changer for thousands of independent workshops across the country who now have access to dealer level vehicle information for all brands sold in Australia, including software updates, wiring schematics, technical, security and EV information,” Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said. “This ensures workshops can compete in the market on a level playing field, and it future proofs their businesses.” For many years, independent workshops struggled to obtain vehicle service and repair information from manufacturers and desperately sought a solution, turning to the AAAA to champion their cause. As vehicle technology advanced, the need for access to manufacturer level vehicle information for diagnosis and repair became ever more important. “The AAAA has long fought for a law that gives independent workshops a fair go and motorists a choice of repairer,” Stuart said. “After more than a decade of campaigning, we are proud to see this law finally become a reality for the industry. “The new law will make a real difference to your workshop. I’ve spoken to many of our members who couldn’t wait for the new law to be operational so they can access the information they need, when they want it.” The responsibility of the day-to-day operation of the scheme and access to manufacturer vehicle information is handled by the Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA). AASRA has created a subscription hub to access manufacturer information. Joining AASRA provides workshops with a single location to easily and quickly access all of the participating manufacturer portals, which cover 90 percent of the vehicles that are sold in Australia today. AASRA subscribers also have access to the AASRA help desk, which will quickly action any missing information issues workshops have. Nonparticipating brands are providing their own front door to subscription services. Signing up to AASRA is only $90 plus GST per year, per technician, for base level access and verification. There are also subscription options for security information and EV information. The pricing of each is published on the AASRA website. To sign up, automotive businesses can visit http:// aasra.com.au and follow the prompts to begin accessing information efficiently and effectively. Given the sheer size and scope of this groundbreaking law, the complexity of the requirements, and the number of stakeholders involved, there will be elements of the scheme and AASRA subscription portal that will need tweaking as the scheme gets underway. AASRA welcomes feedback from subscribers to ensure the scheme is meeting your needs at info@aasra.com.au “I want to sincerely thank everyone in the industry that has helped us throughout this campaign, and in particular the support of our members,” Stuart said. “I’d also like to acknowledge the Australian Automotive Dealer Association, the Motor Trades Association of Australia and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries for their contribution to the new law.” For more from the AAAA, visit www.aaaa.com.au
AASRA TECHNICAL ADVISORY PANEL EOI NOW OPEN
The Panel will play an important part in the operation of the new Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme
The Australian Automotive Service and Repair Authority (AASRA) is seeking expressions of interest from technical automotive experts. They are seeking EOI from experts who can provide a clear and constructive review of complaints and disputes arising from the operation of the new Vehicle Information Sharing Scheme. In addition, advisory panel members will assist the AASRA Board to provide advice to the Scheme enforcement agency (ACCC) and to government on the operation of the Scheme. The Scheme became operational from 1 July, and panellists will be given the opportunity to provide technical input on any matters and disputes that arise when and as referred to the Technical Advisory Panel by the AASRA Board. The Panel will consist of 12 members, and panellists will be assigned in small groups to disputes based on their expertise relevant to the issue. This is a fantastic opportunity for industry experts to apply their experience and knowledge to ensure that the long-awaited Scheme operates as smoothly as possible from Day One. If you are interested in putting your hand up for this important role or would like more information on the opportunity, email advocacy@aaaa.com.au
