CEO's Message

MTA CEO, PAUL UNERKOV

The pace of change in running a business in the automotive industry can at times be hard to keep up with, but the one consistent message I get when I visit MTA members is that skill shortages remains the number one challenge for our industry.

The MTA has been listening closely to what members are telling us at zone, divisional and Industry Advisory Council (IAC) meetings and this feedback has been an important part in shaping our response.

Our new Automotive Industry Careers Mentor, Shaun O’Brien has made substantial inroads to sign up apprentices in the Northern Territory. This program was in direct response to the May 2021 IAC meeting which discussed skill shortages. Since Shaun started in early March, he has approached over 40 industry businesses, with 20 apprentices signed up to the program and 10 apprentice mentoring sessions conducted.

If you have not yet met Shaun and have an apprentice you believe would benefit from the program, then I encourage you to get in touch with us so we can let you know more about what we are doing to help retain apprentices in the automotive industry. You can read more about his work on page 24.

A particular thank you must also be given to Minister for Business, Jobs and Training, Paul Kirby and the NT Government for partnering with us to deliver the program.

The MTA has also established itself as a leader in hybrid and battery electric vehicle training which has seen us deliver our first course at Charles Darwin University in May. As your business begins to see more of these vehicles enter your workshop, it is critical that you get the right training to ensure the safety of your staff and I encourage you register your interest (https://www.mtasant.com.au/training/hybrid-and-battery-electric-vehicle-5-day-course) for our courses on our website or contact us directly to find out more.

The NT 2022 TIO Automotive Awards has been locked in for Mindil Beach Casino on November 25, so this is a timely reminder to think about nominating apprentices who have demonstrated commitment and excellence in the automotive industry. Watch out for nominations being called shortly.

1 July 2022 will be a significant milestone for the industry with the motor vehicle service and repair information sharing (Right to Repair) scheme scheduled to launch meaning that all businesses with qualified technicians will be able to access service and repair information at a fair market price.

While Natasha Fyles is the Northern Territory’s new Chief Minister, the new cabinet sees many existing faces in consistent portfolios relevant to automotive, so it is good to know that as I continue to meet with them that they already have an understanding of what automotive needs and how we can work together for the benefit of industry.

One thing for sure; the MTA’s voice is, and will remain, heard at the highest levels of Government. We are, after all, stronger together.