4 minute read
National acclaim for SA EV training
by Boylen
The MTA SA/NT has been praised for its leading role in the development of a national training program for electric vehicles.
Dr Gavin Lind, CEO of the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA), said “the development of the MTA SA/NT EV centre is yet another positive step towards nationally consistent training.”
And he said the MTA has set a high benchmark.
“They’ve done very clever things in SA around electric vehicles, so all eyes are on MTA SA as they pioneer one of the best EV centres in the country.
“MTA SA certainly has a strong voice.”
He said this would help ensure that states and territories harmonise to work towards a truly national training system.
“That way, young Australians who want to work in this sector can learn how to work safely with EVs.
“Other states and territories might be interested in seeing how they can replicate some of that training.”
Closing the gap
“The demand for EVs has forced a change within certain areas of the trade, with industry now pivoting as required,” Dr Gavin Lind said.
“Very often, the industry is ahead of the curve and the training systems have to catch up which can be quite slow. Our job at AUSMASA is to close that gap and bring it closer.
“That includes understanding and articulating what a national EV qualification looks like, working with industry, unions and governments.
“It’s an absolute priority for us."
Responsive to industry
Until then, some of the South Australian industry will rely on the courses run by the MTA at its Royal Park and Cleve training centres, attracting apprentices and established workers seeking higher certifications.
In particular, he highlighted MTA SA/NT’s ability to offer training in a private capacity, while building strong industry connections, so industry drives the training.
He also noted the association’s ability to respond quickly to the needs of the industry.
Gavin said he believed the Holden legacy lives on in South Australia and may partly explain the enormous success of the MTA in this field.
“I think they’ve got a niche market and you think back to when SA was a manufacturer of passenger vehicles, the service and repair of what is known as the light motor vehicle, it’s one of the highest uptakes that young apprentices and people are looking to do.”
Although Australia no longer manufactures vehicles, servicing and repairing vehicles remains of great interest to young people.
Gavin was encouraged by the fact that the intake for light vehicle mechanics is “one of the highest we’ve seen in the last year.” He noted that this interest now extends to electric vehicles.
“Where the MTA SA is doing so well is they recognise that there’s a future for electric vehicles.
“They know they’re coming, so they ask, ‘How do we position young people today?’
“‘How do we give them the tools they might need to work with electric vehicles?’
“So they are very much ahead of the curve in that regard and I think that’s why they are positioned so strongly.”
Innovative approach
Gavin said the desire to create and maintain a green future is a primary motivator for both the industry and aspiring tradespeople.
The automotive industry is assisting Australia’s national ambitions for net zero.
“So, it’s preparing young Australians considering new careers in the automotive sector, as well as those already in the industry, such as mechanics, for potential transitions into new occupations.
“You often see South Australia at the forefront of innovation, and I would suggest that automotive is one of those areas.
“There’s a desire from South Australians to want to make a change and I think that’s why the MTA in SA is doing really well.”
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