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Chair’s Report
MTA CHAIR, FRANK AGOSTINO
In these uncertain times, it was a privilege to get together in person for the 95th Annual General Meeting held at Adelaide Oval, while still having the ability to include interstate guests through online streaming.
The proceedings were well received and the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) officially oversaw the election of the board, which has remained unchanged from our transitional 2020 board.
We also had the chance to acknowledge our long-term members who had reached the 25, 50 and incredible 75 year milestones in the past 12 months.
A Life Membership Award was presented to Clive Polley of Independent Components, nominated for his dedication to the various divisions and sub-committees he has tirelessly aided over the years. Although, he can be commended for more than his vocal advocacy work – Clive also has a great passion for growing industry by employing apprentices and for our training organisation, which he has contributed countless hours in developing courses, as well as donating training equipment.
Prior to the AGM, the Industry Advisory Council (IAC) met, of which the NT is a represented member, to discuss how activities to combat our prioritised issue of skill shortages were progressing. The IAC then shifted focus to future technology and how best we as an industry can prepare for the inevitable rapid change. You can read more about how the meeting unfolded on page 16.
One common theme in all of our IAC discussions is the need to promote our industry through schools as a genuine pathway into an exciting and secure career for young people.
Forging relationships with schools, but also creating effective programs which encourage students to gain exposure to automotive trades with real industry experience is demonstrated to generate the strongest overall pathways to a career in the industry.
An effective program needs the strong backing of the NT education department, together with industry players who are willing to give students exposure to the wide range of career opportunities in automotive, as well as opportunities for work experience and Certificate II foundations.
The case for a dedicated, industry-specific resource who can promote our courses to prospective students, mentor apprentices and truly facilitate communication between all stakeholders in the NT is strong and the MTA have recommended such a role to the NT Government for consideration.
As industry professionals, we know the many opportunities afforded to those with determination to succeed in the automotive world – there are endless success stories of MTA apprentices going on to start their own business, slowly expanding into a well-respected organisation and then coming full-circle by hiring their own apprentice one day, helping kick-start the next generation of auto experts.
If you’re in the position to hire an apprentice, there’s never been a better time with the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements subsidy saving you up to $28,000 in wages. The subsidy can even be used to halve the wages of a new mature age apprentice, so get in quickly before the program finishes in March 2022.
